Merci arte!
Whether in Germany or France, the number of mindless shows (and broadcasters) is rapidly on the rise: music casting shows in which the music takes a back seat, talent shows with no talent in sight, comedy/comedian shows that don’t make you laugh, game shows that have nothing playful about them, TV series marked by a distinct lack of imagination offering alternative scenarios far from reality, Hollywood blockbusters dating back to the 1980s and ’90s being aired for what seems like the 30th time...
In short: tedious and serving basically to dull the general viewing public’s minds.
And yet, even in light of this sad or aggravating TV landscape, some small gems still exist.
arte sparkles the brightest among them. The differentiated television brand.
A broadcasting channel dedicated to culture that is not arrogantly intellectual, incomprehensibly metaphysical or lulls viewers to sleep.
arte is different. The basic principle behind the channel is to be not only bilingual but truly bicultural, in this case Franco-German, and that represents the main pillar in this unique DNA helix. Resting on what is already an intriguing foundation, an intriguing programming schedule is built up that puts a major emphasis on discovery, creativity, intelligence, empathy and tolerance.
Fascinating features, films that do justice to the term ‘major motion picture’, documentaries that signify a real experience. arte stimulates viewers to think back, think things over and rethink – arte makes audiences laugh – arte makes people more tolerant, more humane, more astute.
The difference can already be sensed starting with the website:
One example, “Themes”, the first item on the navigation sidebar:
- Understanding the world
- Discovering culture
- Experiencing film
- Finding out about Europe
Favourite shows?
“360°” geocultural features: out-of-the-ordinary people, unknown and often paradisical spots on this planet, the tradition behind the Highland Games or the mystery of the Panama hat...
A definite ‘must’ to check out: “Karambolage” (‘Pile-up’), a humourous show about what the Germans and French have in common and what sets them apart (Sundays, 7:30 p.m.). It takes a self-ironic look at the two countries and cultures while affectionately putting a magnifying glass to the details.
Series? Yes, arte has them, too. The wonderful sequel “The Tudors”, for instance.
Films? Whether “Persepolis”, “The Godfather”, “Chinatown”... great moments at the movies...
Add to that the current portrait of the French author Beigbeder, or the thrilling documentary series “Summer of Girls” featuring everyone from Janis Joplin to Nina Hagen to Vanessa Paradis (yes, yes...) that ran last summer and was hosted by songwriter/vocalist/musician Judith Holofernes.
The long & short of it: a tasty delicacy for culture gourmets...
Thank you, arte.
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