Köln 75

Play trailer

2:11

Köln 75

2025

1h 52m

Drama

Music

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

88%

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25 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

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.

Critics Consensus

Köln 75's lively performances, playful use of clichés, and jazz-like chaos make it an unexpectedly compelling and irresistible watch.

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Ty Burr

Ty Burr's Watch List (Substack)

Jan 5

3/4

A pleasant little pick-me-up.

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Christy Lemire

FilmWeek (LAist)

Oct 31

It's a very fun and clever film.

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David Ehrlich

IndieWire

Oct 18

B-

Even the most formulaic scenes in the film bop with the zest of history being lived first-hand, as if the script were happily oblivious to its own clichés.

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Jason Flatt

But Why Tho?

Dec 27

[Köln 75 begs] you to try to understand the impossible notion of jazz in Jarrett’s head—to feel for yourself how music like this can bring you to life.

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Rachel West

That Shelf

Nov 25

Like jazz itself, Köln 75 thrives on improvisation, bold choices, and fearless energy, reminding us that sometimes the most memorable performances happen offstage.

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Jared Mobarak

Hey, Have You Seen ...?

Nov 21

8/10

Fluk infuses an energy that makes veracity an afterthought to entertainment. Köln 75 is instead about vibes, jazz, and the woman who made The Köln Concert iconic despite the guy who happened to be playing the music on-stage.

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T S

@RT21597173 Mar 26

Wonderful movie, always moving, never boring, and an incredible story, especially if you are even vaguely familiar with some of the real-life characters such as Keith Jarrett and Manfred Eicher. The movie primarily follows Vera Brandes' experience, so expect her to be in almost every scene. Mala Emde is brilliant as Vera, and easily pulls off playing a girl significantly younger than the actress herself. Extremely engaging and endearing, with various interesting characters along the way, including very much Vera's family (mother, father and brother). Highly recommended!

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David B

@David898 Feb 22

We loved it! The film is humorous, but tells essentially - or at least spiritually - the true story behind one of the greatest concert miracles of all time.

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Dick K

@RT64175192 Dec 3

The unique story of the special concert in Cologne can be easily imagined without film. Director Fluk has taken refuge in mere clichés while the placement in the time spirit of the hunting seventy has been conveniently developed. My biggest objection is the protagonist suffering from favouritism. All this could have been much more nuanced, as other celebrated filmmakers prove. Warning: Here and there attempts at humour!

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Radek V

@RT95678952 Nov 27

⭐️ Rating: 10/10 📍 Cinema, VIFF 2025 | As a closing film for the Vancouver Film Festival, Köln 75 couldn’t have been a better choice. The movie vibrates with determination and rhythm that mirrors jazz improvisation itself. Mala Emde as Vera Brandes explodes with energy — she runs, negotiates, risks everything, and makes you believe every emotion along the way. The film works both as a tribute to those who dare to go against the system and as a vibrant, visually intoxicating story full of hope and pulse. From what seemed like a quiet festival closer emerged one of the liveliest, most inspiring, and most uplifting films of the year.

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James B

Oct 28

I was taken by total surprise. Was not sure what I was going to see and I was enchanted and loved it particurlay the performance of mala Emde! Worth seeing in the theater.

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Harper A.

@harperaltschul1 Oct 27

I absolutely loved this movie. Highly recommend!

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Ido Fluk

Director

Mala Emde

Vera Brandes

John Magaro

Keith Jarrett

Michael Chernus

Michael Watts

Alexander Scheer

Manfred Eicher

Ulrich Tukur

Dr. Brandes

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Köln 75: Trailer 1

2:11

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Synopsis

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.

Director: Ido Fluk
Producer: Sol Bondy, Fred Burle
Screenwriter: Ido Fluk
Distributor: Zeitgeist Films
Production Co: One Two Films
Genre: Drama, Music, Comedy
Original Language: German
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 17, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 9, 2025
Box Office (Gross USA): $44.7K
Runtime: 1h 52m

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