Köln 75

Opens Friday, October 17, 2025

Keith Jarrett’s legendary performance in January 1975 nearly didn’t happen. Based on a true story, KÖLN 75 follows how the concert was conceived and orchestrated by the efforts of a teenage up and coming concert promoter, Vera Brandes, (played by German actress Mala Emde). Her enthusiasm set her to multitasking – from organizing the concert venue (the Cologne Opera House), promoting the event, and selling the tickets, to convincing Jarrett to perform when he almost dropped out when the Bösendorfer Imperial Grand piano he was promised was nowhere to be found.

 

 John Magaro plays Jarrett with his own intensity, a sublime counterpoint to Mala Emde’s joyful portrayal of the enthusiastic and unstoppable Vera. KÖLN 75 captures the compelling, entertaining and, until now, unknown back story about Jarrett’s one-hour, entirely improvised concert, which became the best-selling solo album in jazz history.

 

Official selection: Berlin Film Festival

• Country Germany, Poland, Belgium
• Language English and German with Engish subtitles
• Running Time 112 minutes
• Format DCP
• Distributor Zeitgeist Films
• Director Ido Fluk
• Cast Mala Emde, John Magaro, Michael Chernus

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