Overview

Presented by the Althafen Foundation, NOACK NEXT is a cinematic portrait of one of Europe’s most storied cultural institutions: the Bildgießerei Hermann Noack. Directed by Andrei Kalesnikau, this documentary offers an unprecedented, human-centred perspective on the historic Berlin foundry, renowned for casting seminal works by Käthe Kollwitz, Henry Moore, Joseph Beuys, and Georg Baselitz. Tracing over 125 years of artistic collaboration, the film captures the enduring spirit and evolving identity of Noack as it enters its fifth generation. With intimate cinematography and reflective storytelling, NOACK NEXT reveals the living history of a place where tradition meets innovation, and where art continues to shape public life.

Impact

NOACK NEXT contributes vitally to contemporary cultural memory by demonstrating that enduring artistic legacies are built not only on inspiration, but on continuity, collaboration, and craft. Through its focus on the Noack family—particularly the transition from Hermann Noack IV to Lisa and Sofia Noack—it reframes heritage as a dialogue rather than a monument. The film invites viewers into a rarely seen world of sculptural production, affirming the foundry’s role in shaping both artistic and civic landscapes, particularly in the context of Berlin’s complex cultural and political history. At once a tribute and a provocation, it renews attention to the people, spaces, and labour that define the practice of public art.

Our Involvement

The Althafen Foundation supported NOACK NEXT production, empowering independent filmmaker Andrei Kalesnikau to delve into the living history of one of our most significant institutional partners. In line with our commitment to supporting visionary creatives who engage with heritage through new forms of storytelling, we aim to cultivate a deeper public understanding of the cultural ecosystems that shape both our past and future.