This article describes strategies specific to teaching German film courses at American universities, particularly how to capture the interest of students who have not studied film previously and have little understanding of German culture, history, or the language. I suggest starting with discussions on the interrelatedness of "foreign film" and the Hollywood films already familiar to American students. Close consideration of Hollywood and/or IMR (Institutional Mode of Representation) conventions, along with an understanding of the mutual influence between German and American cinemas, helps students break down preconceived cultural notions and enables them to relate better to the German films.