Streaming Boom and the Rise of German Talent

Edward Berger’s German-­language feature film “All Quiet On The Western Front” has proven to be a run-away sensation for Netflix since it was launched on the streaming platform last fall. It ranks fourth on the list of the most popular non-English language films on Netflix and has been in the streamer’s own top 10 in over 91 countries – including Germany, UK, US, Australia, France, Mexico, and South Korea. The film won seven prizes – including best picture – at the British Academy Film Awards last month and has been nominated for nine Oscars. The film offers a visceral depiction of life and death in the World War I trenches based on Erich Maria Remarque’s classic novel and comes at a time when much of the world is gripped by the war in Ukraine.

What accounts for the success of this film? How has the entertainment industry changed with streaming services? And why do German films and series play such a major role on streaming services? To discuss these questions and the renaissance of German talent in front of and behind the camera, join the American Council on Germany, the German Film Office, and the Goethe Institut for a discussion with Sasha Bühler, the woman behind bringing “All Quiet” to Netflix. She serves as Director of International Films at Netflix.

Sasha Bühler joined Netflix as the Director of International Films in December 2019. She started her career in production, first in news, then across documentaries, animation, and feature films. This was followed by positions as Head of Acquisitions at SquareOne Entertainment and the Munich Film Academy (HHF). Her most recent position was Head of Acquisitions and International Co-Productions at Constantin Film for eleven years.

Ms. Bühler grew up in the United States, graduated from Vassar College, and then lived in Germany for 30 years before moving to London for her current position. Recently she relocated to Berlin to spearhead the entire DACH film production for Netflix. She is active in several women’s networks and is a regular lecturer on women’s issues.