ISLAMABAD: The German embassy in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut and Blackbox Sounds, hosted a special screening of the acclaimed German film Der Untertan — The Kaiser’s Lackey — on Wednesday.

The 1951 cinematic work from then East Germany is based on the novel by Heinrich Mann and is widely regarded as a classic of German cinema, says a press release.

The film chronicles the life of Diederich Hessling, a German industrialist in the early 20th century who rises through society by flattering those in power and oppressing those beneath him.

The Kaiser’s Lackey offers a stark and critical portrayal of an extremely nationalistic and militarised society in the years leading up to World War I.

The screening was attended by a diverse audience, including members of civil society, cultural activists, representatives from the media, and members of the diplomatic community.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2025