Films by Year

How the Berlin Worker Lives

Zeitprobleme: Wie der Berliner Arbeiter wohnt (1930)

Director: Dudow, Slatan

This short documentary, meant to be the first in a series on current issues, was Slatan Dudow's first film. As it turned out, it was also the only one made for the series. Dudow shot his film in the streets and courtyards of depression-era Berlin.

Kuhle Wampe, or Who Owns the World?

Kuhle Wampe oder Wem gehört die Welt? (1932)

Director: Dudow, Slatan

A working-class family in Berlin in 1931 where survival is difficult, with massive unemployment in the wake of the Great Depression.

Death Camp Sachsenhausen

Todeslager Sachsenhausen (1946)

Director: Brandt, Richard

The first DEFA documentary on the topic of concentration camps and the Holocaust, this film was commissioned by the Soviet military administration in Berlin in connection with the preparations for the Sachsenhausen trial.

Newsreel Program

Das Augenzeugen-Programm (1946)

This playlist includes 32 episodes from the newsreel series Der Augenzeugen (The Eyewitness), which were produced by the East German DEFA Studios from 1946 to 1980.

Rebuilding Berlin

Berlin im Aufbau (1946)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

This documentary film portrays the history of Berlin from 1895 to 1945 and the efforts of the inhabitants as they work to rebuild the destroyed city after the end of the war. The film is a compilation of material from the DEFA Eyewitness weekly news features as well as additional footage.

Rebuilding Potsdam

Potsdam baut auf (1946)

Director: Huisken, Joop

This black-and-white documentary shows the citizens of Potsdam rebuilding their city after its destruction during WWII. Emotionally sensitive images of the immediate post-war period provide evidence of the hard-working spirit of the population and their desire to begin anew.

Somewhere in Berlin

Irgendwo in Berlin (1946)

Director: Lamprecht, Gerhard

After WWII, Berlin lies in ruins. For Gustav, Willi and their friends the rubble provides an adventurous, dangerous playground. For Gustav it also helps pass the time, as he longs for his father's return from a POW camp. One day a stranger arrives, looking helpless and hopeless"¦

The 1946 Leipzig Trade Fair

Leipziger Messe 1946 (1946)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

The history of the Leipzig Fair goes back to the Middle Ages, and the first post-war fair, also called the "Peace Fair," took place in 1946. The still Soviet-occupied zone tried to demonstrate the return of economic growth one year after the war.

The Murderers Are among Us

Die Mörder sind unter uns (1946)

Director: Staudte, Wolfgang

In 1945, the artist Susanne Wallner (Hildegard Knef) returns to Berlin after spending three years in a concentration camp. Yet amid the ruins, she is filled with a renewed energy for life. When she arrives at her old apartment, she finds that Dr.

Unity SPD-KPD

Einheit SPD-KPD (1946)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

This black and white documentary film presents the post-war political climate of the time through an effective combination of film, text, and music.

Estates in Farmers' Hands

Junkerland in Bauerhand (1947)

Director: Huisken, Joop

A short documentary about the first two years of agrarian reform in the GDR. Noblemen's estates were converted into collectively owned farms or distributed as smaller plots among peasant farmers, laborers, and refugees.

Marriage in the Shadows

Ehe im Schatten (1947)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

The film spans a ten-year period starting in 1933. Celebrated German film and theater actor Hans Wieland marries the Jewish actress Elisabeth Maurer. As Nazi anti-Semitic policies increasingly infringe on their lives, they struggle to survive.

Police Raid

Razzia (1947)

Director: Klingler, Werner

Shortages in postwar Berlin have created a blooming black market, and the goods rounded up during a major police raid all seem to come from the same source. The trail leads Commissioner Naumann to the Alibaba Cabarett, but he is unable to find conclusive evidence to convict its owner Goll.

Wozzeck

Wozzeck (1947)

Director: Klaren, Georg C.

While an anatomy seminar prepares to examine the cadaver of Franz Wozzeck in the name of scientific progress, medical student Büchner excoriates humanity for having allowed Wozzeck's fate. The tragic story unfolds in flashbacks, as Büchner narrates.

Chronicle of Film 1948

Filmchronik 1948 (1948)

Director: Engel, Erich

This DVD compilation chronicles the year 1948 through film.

One, Two, Three Corona

1-2-3 Corona (1948)

Director: Müller, Hans

A wandering circus sets up on a construction site amidst the ruins of a German city in 1945. Nearby are two rival gangs who deal in the black market.

Street Acquaintances

Straßenbekanntschaft (1948)

Director: Pewas, Peter

The difficulties of the postwar period are reflected in twenty-year-old Erika's face. Although her good friend Walter is in love with her, he cannot offer her the pleasure and diversion she longs for.

The Blum Affair

Affaire Blum (1948)

Director: Engel, Erich

Dr. Blum, a Jewish manufacturer, is falsely accused of a murder. Even when the real killer's identity becomes evident, the state prosecutor refuses to accept Blum's innocence.

Five in a Quartet

Quartett zu fünft (1949)

Director: Lamprecht, Gerhard

Anne Treibel owns a small house that is home to four women and one man, Martin, a badly injured war veteran. All the women are interested in Martin, but he knows that only Anne truly loves him. When Helga asks him to get a surgery that could save his life, he does it for Anne.

Girls in Gingham

Die Buntkarierten (1949)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

A moving saga focusing on the women in a family that spans three generations and almost 70 years of German history, from the Wilhelmine period through the end of WWII.

Our Daily Bread

Unser täglich Brot (1949)

Director: Dudow, Slatan

The petit bourgeouis Weber family lives in sectored Berlin after the Second World War and struggles to make ends meet. Karl Weber, an unemployed cashier, observes from a distance how his son Ernst and daughter Inge participate in the construction of a new socialist society.

Rotation

Rotation (1949)

Director: Staudte, Wolfgang

Rotation portrays the story of an apolitical working-class family that nevertheless gets drawn into collusion with Nazi policies. The apolitical mechanic Hans Behnke considers joining the Nazi party to improve his financial standing.

The Beaver Coat

Der Biberpelz (1949)

Director: Engel, Erich

Mother Wolffen, a washerwoman, is a woman of principle: A poor man must do what he must to get through life, only he mustn't get caught doing it. All sorts of crooked deals contribute to the improvement of the daily menu and the increase of household funds.

The Blue Swords

Die blauen Schwerter (1949)

Director: Schleif, Wolfgang

The story of Johann Friedrich Böttger, an apothecary's apprentice and alchemist's assistant. Fleeing from the Prussian King, he goes to Saxony, where King Frederick August the Strong takes him to a fortress and demands that he create gold.

The Bridge

Die Brücke (1949)

Director: Pohl, Artur

A group of ethnic German refugees from the former eastern territories encounters hostility from the villagers of the central German territories where they now reside. Michaelis speaks for the group, but his attempts to bridge the gap between the new and old residents of the village are opposed b

The Marriage of Figaro

Figaros Hochzeit (1949)

Director: Wildhagen, Georg

Count Almaviva's valet Figaro wants to marry the maid Susanna, but their master insists on his right to the first night. Figaro encounters trouble because of an earlier promise of marriage he made to the housekeeper Marzelline.

Always Ready

Immer bereit (1950)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt
Pappe, Feodor

International delegations from various youth organizations come to Berlin to demonstrate their international solidarity at the first Free German Youth "Deutschlandtreffen" in 1950.

Construction Site X

Baustelle X (1950)

Director: Klein, Gerhard

This short documentary calls for compliance with labor protection laws during rubble clearance and reconstruction work. A construction site on Wernerstraße in Berlin is used to to concretely illustrate the positive effects of these laws.

Council of the Gods

Der Rat der Götter (1950)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

The chemist Dr. Hans Scholz lives through a tortuous political transformation and maturation process. Eventually, he adopts political neutrality and closes his eyes to the fact that the poison being produced in his factory is being used in the extermination camps.

From Hamburg to Stralsund

Von Hamburg bis Stralsund (1950)

Director: Thorndike, Andrew

Following WWII, the Western Allies imposed strict restrictions on the building of new ships in both Germanys.

Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach (1950)

Director: Dahle, Ernst

A film produced in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the death of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was the GDR's first cinematic homage to the Baroque composer. It frames Bach as a humanistic artist befitting East Germany's canon of cultural heritage.

The Ascending Path

Der Weg nach oben (1950)

Director: Gass, Karl
Thorndike, Andrew

This documentary juxtaposes events in the immediate postwar East and West Germanies to draw a picture of the developing Cold War politics.

The Benthin Family

Familie Benthin (1950)

Director: Dudow, Slatan
Maetzig, Kurt

The brothers Theo and Gustav Benthin pull profits through smuggling in divided Germany: Theo in the West and Gustav in the East. The East German police catch on quickly, however, and Gustav is arrested.

The Cold Heart

Das kalte Herz (1950)

Director: Verhoeven, Paul

The poor charcoal burner Peter Monk summons the good spirit of the forest to help him overcome his outsider stigma, which above all, prevents him from marrying his beloved Lisbeth. Despite the good spirit's help, Peter squanders his wealth and loses everything.

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (1950)

Director: Wildhagen, Georg

For the corpulent nobleman Sir John Falstaff, the inn in the small English town of Windsor is the best of all places. Here he can indulge in excessive dining and intemperate drinking, as well as swagger and boast about his adventures, particularly those of an amorous nature.

Corinna Schmidt

Corinna Schmidt (1951)

Director: Pohl, Artur

Corinna Schmidt comes from an impoverished yet well-known family in late nineteenth-century Berlin. During a social gathering at the home of the Treibel family, Corinna meets the young son, Leopold, who asks for her hand in marriage.

Irregular Train Service

Zugverkehr unregelmäßig (1951)

Director: Freund, Erich

After Jochen saves police officer Erich's life, the two men become close friends and Erich helps Jochen get a job working for Berlin's local train system.

The Axe of Wandsbek

Das Beil von Wandsbek (1951)

Director: Harnack, Falk

Hamburg, Germany 1934: An executioner is needed. Teetjen (Erwin Geschonneck) makes the biggest mistake of his life. Because his butcher shop is facing bankruptcy, he agrees to execute a group of political prisoners for the Nazis. Once this becomes known, Teetjen's life falls apart.

The Kaiser's Lackey

Der Untertan (1951)

Director: Staudte, Wolfgang

This historical satire, based on Heinrich Mann's world-famous novel, Der Untertan, is ranked by film critics among the 100 Most Significant German Films of all time.

The Sonnenbrucks

Die Sonnenbrucks (1951)

Director: Klaren, Georg C.

Unlike his assistant Joachim Peters (Raimund Schelcher), who is sent to a concentration camp for his political beliefs, Professor Sonnenbruck (Eduard von Winterstein) refuses to get involved in politics and focuses entirely on his research.

Blue Bandanas in the Summer Wind

Blaue Wimpel im Sommerwind (1952)

Director: Ballmann, Herbert

A picture of GDR youth"”as party and state would have it. After summer vacation in 1952, selected Young Pioneers gather at the first national convention of the Young Pioneers, the children's division of the Free German Youth (FDJ).

Destinies of Women

Frauenschicksale (1952)

Director: Dudow, Slatan

Berlin 1952, seven years after WWII. Four women are looking for a good man and happiness in the divided city. Their destinies are loosely connected through one person: the West Berlin dandy and womanizer, Conny.

The Condemned Village

Das verurteilte Dorf (1952)

Director: Hellberg, Martin

After years in Soviet captivity, farmer Heinz Weimann returns to the village of Bärenweiler, in West Germany. His joy at returning home is clouded by news that US occupation forces intend to build an airfield on village lands, in preparation for a confrontation with the Soviet Union.

The Story of a Young Couple

Roman einer jungen Ehe (1952)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

A young couple"”both actors"”live and work in Berlin before the Wall is built. Agnes is on location in East Berlin and her husband Jochen works at the Westend Theater in West Berlin.

Toxi

Toxi (1952)

Director: Stemmle, Robert A.

A five-year-old girl suddenly appears on the doorstep of a well-to-do Hamburg family. The different members of the multi-generational, white household have different reactions to the arrival of Toxi, who is black, the daughter of an African-American G.I. and a German woman who has died.

Wilhelm Pieck: The Life of Our President

Wilhelm Pieck — Das Leben unseres Präsidenten (1952/75)

Director: Thorndike, Andrew

This black-and-white documentary portrays the life of Wilhelm Pieck and his ascent from young working-class revolutionary to the first president of the GDR. Archival film, historical photos, and documents from the period between 1914 and 1945 trace the history of Germany during his lifetime.

Hunting for Seconds

Jagd um Sekunden (1953)

Director: Funk, Hans-Joachim
Marten, Walter

This documentary reports on a German-German automobile race at the Saxon Ring racetrack. In addition to descriptions of the development and production of race cars at the Eisenach Motor Works, race car drivers Artur Rosenhammer and Edgar Barth are also profiled.

The Invincibles

Die Unbesiegbaren (1953)

Director: Pohl, Artur

The workers' struggle at the turn of the century is depicted through the story of the Schulz family. The year is 1889 and Bismarck's Socialist Laws, which sought to hinder the activities of the Social Democratic Party, are still in effect.

The Porcupine: A Love Story

Das Stacheltier — Eine Liebesgeschichte (1953)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

A writer tries to get a love story published. Two bureaucratic editors ask for more and more changes. But even his spiced-up version, with smoking chimneys and steel production, gets rejected.

The Porcupine: Do Not Disturb

Das Stacheltier — Bitte nicht stören (1953)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

Four colleagues sit down for an important business meeting and do not want to be disturbed. First, the chairperson of the meeting is called away to answer an important phone call and passes the leadership on to a colleague, who also turns out to have an important errand to run...

The Porcupine: School of Courtesy

Das Stacheltier — Schule der Höflichkeit (1953)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

A shipment of aluminum pots have arrived at a home goods store, but they can't be sold because the staff can't find the bill.

The Porcupine: Stiesel's Institute of Good Manners

Das Stacheltier — Stiesels Institut für gute Sitten (1953)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

A reporter visits the director of Stiesel's Institute of Good Manners and watches taxi drivers and restaurant servers during their practical classes on how to offer rude and insensitive customer service. Places are still available for any helpful and friendly employees who wish to enroll!

The Porcupine: The Beard Is off

Das Stacheltier — Der Bart ist ab (1953)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

A Free German Youth group is putting the finishing touches on their new club room and wants to celebrate by hosting a dance.

The Porcupine: The BIG Adventure

Das Stacheltier — Das GROSSE Abenteuer (1953)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

Alois Dachleitner, an employee of the Munich Trade Office, is terrified of being arrested and shipped off to Siberia when he is assigned to attend the Leipzig trade fair. The anxiety he experiences throughout the journey is transformed into wonder when he sees the exhibits on display at the fair.

The Porcupine: The King in Thule

Das Stacheltier — Der König in Thule (1953)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

A community theater group is preparing their performance of "The King in Thule." When a cultural functionary appears, the young people hope to get some staging tips.

The Porcupine: Vigilance According to the Rules

Das Stacheltier — WACHSAMKEIT laut VORSCHRIFT (1953)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

The doorman gives an entry pass to a thief carrying a typewriter case filled with stones. The thief is able to swap out the stones for a typewriter, stamp his own pass and leave without getting questions at the door.

The Story of Little Mook

Die Geschichte vom kleinen Muck (1953)

Director: Staudte, Wolfgang

In a small town, a hunchbacked old man is teased, taunted and chased by the local children. One day, he manages to hold them spellbound with a story — his own story:

Turbine I

Turbine I (1953)

Director: Huisken, Joop

In the early 1950s, frequent power outages hurt production in the GDR. Using an innovative method from the USSR, workers at the Zschornewitz atomic power plant in Saxony-Anhalt are able to quickly repair a turbine and prevent a long delay in energy output.

Walter Ulbricht, Builder of Socialism

Baumeister des Sozialismus Walter Ulbricht (1953)

Director: Ensink, Ella
Grandy, Theo

This documentary depicts Walter Ulbricht as a venerated and omniscient national father figure, interweaving his personal history with scenes of the building of the GDR.

Wartburg Castle

Die Wartburg (1953)

Director: Mühlpforte, Günter

This documentary from the DEFA Studio for Popular Scientific Films traces the history of the Wartburg Castle in Thuringia and explains the landmark's contemporary significance.

Alarm at the Circus

Alarm im Zirkus (1954)

Director: Klein, Gerhard

Two boys from West Berlin, Klaus and Max, live in poverty. They dream of a career in boxing and save every penny in order to buy boxing gloves for training. Nevertheless, they cannot seem to save enough and so they let themselves be hired by the bartender Klott for a twisted scheme.

Carola Lamberti

Carola Lamberti — Eine vom Zirkus (1954)

Director: Müller, Hans

Carola has been running the family-owned circus alone since her husband's death, but she suddenly finds herself at odds with her three adult sons who are also performance artists and want to have a say in how the business is run. The family discord leads Carola to turn her back on the circus, lea

Caterwauling

Katzenmusik (1954)

Director: Barke, Lothar

It's after midnight, but the rock "˜n' roll party is still in full swing. The nearby neighbors are furious about the noise. Three friends, actually rock 'n' roll fans, observe the spectacle. At the end, they decide to join a dance party with traditional music.

Dangerous Freight

Gefährliche Fracht (1954)

Director: von Wangenheim, Gustav

While unloading the cargo ship Florida, West German harbour workers discover napalm bombs instead of the expected high-tech machines aboard.

Ernst Thälmann: Son of the Working Class

Ernst Thälmann — Sohn seiner Klasse (1954)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

This film is the first of a two-part historical and biographical portrait of the communist politician and anti-fascist Ernst Thälmann.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven (1954)

Director: Jaap, Max

A documentary on the life of Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the best-known German composers of all time. Original documents, letters and drawings are combined with highlights of Beethoven's musical oeuvre played by world-renowned orchestras.

Pole Poppenspaeler

Pole Poppenspäler (1954)

Director: Pohl, Artur

While traveling as a journeyman, Paul encounters an old friend, the puppeteer's daughter Lisei. They fall in love and get married and Lisei and her father move back to Paul's home village.

Song of the Rivers

Lied der Ströme (1954)

Director: Ivens, Joris

An allegorical documentary about the workers of the world, whose common destinies and hopes for peace are symbolically united by the rivers that run through their respective lands.

Stronger Than the Night

Stärker als die Nacht (1954)

Director: Dudow, Slatan

This film is centered around the destinies of Hans Löring and his wife, Gerda, two workers from Hamburg who are representative of German opponents of Nazism. Gerda is carrying their first child. When the couple is arrested for political resistance after Hitler's rise to power, Hans is sent to pri

The Bremen Town Musicians

Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten (1954)

Director: Böttge, Bruno J.

This silhouette animated film tells a story drawn from the Brothers Grimm. Four aging animals — a donkey, a dog, a rooster, and a cat — are rejected by their ungrateful owners and forced to make their way on the streets.

The Compass Rose

Die Windrose (1954)

Director: Bellon, Yannick
Cavalcanti, Alberto
Gerasimov, Sergei
Ivens, Joris
Kuo-Yin, Wu
Pontecorvo, Gillo
Viany, Alex

This episodic film tells five self-contained stories of women around the world, shot by five different filmmaking teams under the artistic supervision of DEFA director Joris Ivens.

The Devil from Mill Mountain

Der Teufel vom Mühlenberg (1954)

Director: Ballmann, Herbert

This film is set in a medieval mill town in the Harz mountains. The greedy and brutal millman and his accomplices, the castle steward and the mayor, set fire to a forest mill that the farmers used for processing their grain.

The Mysterious Wreck

Das geheimnisvolle Wrack (1954)

Director: Ballmann, Herbert

Wolfgang from Berlin is on vacation in Rügen and enjoys playing with the local children in a blown-up beachside bunker. When the children discover an old shipwreck off the coast, they take a boat out one night to explore.

The Porcupine: A Free Man

Das Stacheltier — EIN freier MENSCH (1954)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

Eckehard Mucks takes his fiancée Inge out in a paddleboat, but then decides he would rather ride the motorboat tied up at the dock.

The Porcupine: Ede on Saturdays

Das Stacheltier — Ede sonnabends (1954)

Director: Jung-Alsen, Kurt

A long line of teenagers are standing outside a dance club. Traudchen and her boyfriend Johannes get split up, but they both eventually are admitted. Meanwhile, Ede strolls past those waiting in line and bribes the bouncer to get inside.

The Porcupine: The Ideal Customer

Das Stacheltier — DER vorbildliche KUNDE (1954)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

A grumpy customer in a shoe store asks to be shown one pair of shoes after another.

The Porcupine: The Night of Horror

Das Stacheltier — Die Nacht des Grauens (1954)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

Helmut receives a package from his Uncle Fritz in the West, which contains a number of cheap crime novels like The Night of Terror. Helmut begins reading everywhere, especially before bed.

The Porcupine: The Winter Coat

Das Stacheltier — Der Wintermantel (1954)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

During the winter, a man brings fabric to a tailor's shop to have a winter coat made, but the staff laugh at his request. In the planned economy, they need to stick to their work schedule: those types of orders are only accepted in the summer.

Witches

Hexen (1954)

Director: Spieß, Helmut

In 1949, superstition still thrives in the Thuringian village of Hunsdorf. Pigs keep disappearing from different farmyards and the village residents naturally blame the problem on witches.

Without a Roof

Kein Hüsung (1954)

Director: Pohl, Artur

This historical film is set in a village in Mecklenburg during the mid-19th century. The law requires that Mariken and Johann obtain the local Baron's permission before they can marry and live on his land, but their request is denied because Mariken once rejected the Baron's advances.

Bellboy Ed Martin

Hotelboy Ed Martin (1955)

Director: Bieber, Karl-Heinz
Kahler, Ernst

Ed Martin witnesses a murder at the American hotel where he works.

Ernst Thälmann: Leader of the Working Class

Ernst Thälmann — Führer seiner Klasse (1955)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

Ernst Thälmann was the leader of the German Communist Party during the Weimar Republic, communist martyr during the Third Reich, and role model for "the first advanced socialist society on German soil." The second part of the Ernst Thaelmann films encompasses the time period between 1930 and Thae

GDR Paintings Return

Die Bilder von Dresden (1955)

Director: Hellwig, Joachim

Black-and-white flashbacks to Dresden's baroque past appear alongside Agfacolor footage of the city in the mid-1950s, after the fire bombings of WWII.

Once Does Not Count

Einmal ist keinmal (1955)

Director: Wolf, Konrad

Peter Weselin (Horst Drinda), a musician and composer from West Germany plans to spend a quiet vacation with his uncle in the small town of Klingenthal, but the East German town, known for manufacturing instruments, is about to hold its annual music festival.

Recovery

Genesung (1955)

Director: Wolf, Konrad

The authorities expect the case of Friedel Walter, alias "Dr. Mueller," to be a straightforward one: he was working as a doctor without proper credentials under a false name. But Mehlin, the man in charge of his case, knows that there is more to the story.

Sweeping Melodies

Rauschende Melodien (1955)

Director: Fiedler, Erich Wilhelm

During Prince Orlofsky's ball, at which the "honorable" gentleman of Viennese high society are wont to amuse themselves with pretty young ballet dancers, Notar Falke gets revenge on Dr.

The Judge of Zalamea

Der Richter von Zalamea (1955)

Director: Hellberg, Martin

This historical drama is set in Spain at the time of Philipp II. When soldiers are stationed in the village of Zalamea, Captain Don Alvaro takes up quarters in the house of Pedro Crespo, a wealthy and respected farmer, but while staying there, he rapes Isabel, Crespo's daughter.

The Porcupine: Cheers!

Das Stacheltier — Hoch die Tassen! (1955)

Director: Röbbeling, Harald

Anton misunderstands the barkeeper's refusal to keep serving a drunken guest, leading him to believe that there is an impending alcohol shortage. This news spreads with the help of a report from West Berlin radio and Anton stashes away a stockpile of liquor.

The Porcupine: Don't Got That!

Das Stacheltier — Ham wa nich! (1955)

Director: Thiel, Heinz

Pustekuchen, the administrator of a wholesale distributor, is only interested in bonuses. His irresponsible management causes significant shortages for customers, so that one local store only has cleaning products left in stock.

The Porcupine: Look Lively, Lads!

Das Stacheltier — Frisch Gesellen, seid zur Hand! (1955)

Director: Thiel, Heinz

Two groups of craftsmen, painters and stovefitters, are hired to repair the same apartment. When their attempts to work simultaneously only cause chaos, they contact the building management to figure out who should do their job first.

The Porcupine: News from the West

Das Stacheltier — Es geht um die Wurst (1955)

Director: Röbbeling, Harald

Poisoned sausages in East Germany! Karl gets scared when he hears this news on the West Berlin radio station RIAS (Radio in the American Sector). What a surprise to see his supposedly dead friends a few days later — sitting happily in the pub.

The Porcupine: Prometheus — Olympic Games with Fire

Das Stacheltier — PROMETHEUS — Olympische Spiele mit dem Feuer (1955)

Director: Thiel, Heinz

Zeus' secretary informs him about complaints about shortages on Earth: people in Leipzig are protesting a lack of matches. Zeus sends Prometheus to deal with the situation in the GDR and discover the cause of the shortage.

The Porcupine: The Household Wonder

Das Stacheltier — Das Haushaltswunder (1955)

Director: Röbbeling, Harald

After seeing ads for the new "household wonder" from the Telewerke Nationally Owned Enterprise, everyone wants to talk to manager Vogel about it.

The Porcupine: The Lodger

Das Stacheltier — Der Untermieter (1955)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

Otto Auch is looking for a temporary place to stay in Berlin until his family can move into their new apartment. After meeting with Ms.

The Porcupine: What a Fuss!

Das Stacheltier — So'n Theater! (1955)

Director: Thiel, Heinz

The open air theater is always sold out, but the district council refuses to give permission for additional performances due to lack of funding.

The Stolen Nose

Die gestohlene Nase (1955)

Director: Weiler, Kurt

Karl, little Kathrin, and Spatz spend their winter vacation with their grandmother in a little village. Near the house, they build a funny snowman with a carrot nose, but the nose is gone the next morning. Replacement noses disappear one after another.

A Berlin Romance

Eine Berliner Romanze (1956)

Director: Klein, Gerhard

Mid-1950s Berlin, before the building of the Wall. Uschi, a salesgirl and aspiring fashion model from the East, is attracted to Hans, from the West. But she also loves the bright shop windows in his part of the city.

Dresden: Immortal City

Dresden — unvergängliche Stadt (1956)

Director: Marten, Walter

This documentary traces the history of Dresden, the "Florence on the Elbe." Recreated scenes of the bombing of February 13, 1945, show the suffering which the city had to endure.

I'm Thirsty

Mich dürstet (1956)

Director: Paryla, Karl

The new Popular Front government hasn't brought concrete change for the Spanish people, so poor farmer Pablo convinces the townspeople to fight for their rights and drive the rich oppressors out of town.

Incident in Benderath

Zwischenfall in Benderath (1956)

Director: Veiczi, János

At a West German high school near the small town of Benderath, a group of boys band together and create a secret club called the "Trojans." Their Jewish classmate Jakob is mocked as a "enemy of the state" and "cowardly Oriental" by the fascist teacher Paecker.

Little Havelman

Der kleine Häwelmann (1956)

Director: Cichon, Rolf
Schulz, Herbert K.

A mother tells her demanding little boy a story to make him fall asleep. Little Havelman is bored, and so he rides with his bed through the quiet, snowy city while everyone else is sleeping. His only companion is the moon. He keeps riding into the sky and knocks the stars and moon out of place.

Rendezvous Aimée

Treffpunkt Aimée (1956)

Director: Reinecke, Horst

Valuable PVC produced in the GDR is being smuggled across the sector boundaries in Berlin to supply Western chemical companies. Officer Schubert begins to investigate the case, but he is at a loss for leads when all the production and export records appear to be in order.

Summer, Sun, AK 8

Sommer, Sonne, AK 8 (1956)

Director: Schneider, Helmut

This documentary, intended to inspire new home filmmakers, tells the stories of ordinary people who learned how to make their own films by renting inexpensive AK 8 cameras.

The Journey to Bamsdorf

Die Fahrt nach Bamsdorf (1956)

Director: Petzold, Konrad

Ten-year-old Toni is a little scatterbrained, so his parents warn him to take extra good care of his little sister Rita on their first solo train trip to their grandmother in Bamsdorf. But of course Toni doesn't pay attention and gets off at the wrong station, leaving Rita behind in the train.

The Magic Scissors

Die Zauberschere (1956)

Director: Böttge, Bruno J.

In this silhouette animated film, two hands cut out a man, who then goes on a journey with the scissors who brought him to life. The children are thrilled by the shapes he cuts, but the arrogant mayor throws him out of town when he makes a caricature of her.

The Path of Jazz

Vom Lebensweg des Jazz (1956)

Director: Bartsch, Wolfgang
Ulbrich, Peter

This short documentary looks back at the history of jazz, a style of music which has its origins in musical traditions that were brought to North American 300 years ago by enslaved Africans.

The Valiant Tailor

Das tapfere Schneiderlein (1956)

Director: Spieß, Helmut

Seven with one blow is the inscription on the cheerful little man's sash - referring to a heroic feat in which he swatted seven flies at once. Emboldened by this success, the journeyman tailor wanders through valleys and over mountains testing his courage.

Thomas Müntzer

Thomas Müntzer (1956)

Director: Hellberg, Martin

This film documents the last years of the great Reformation-era peasant leader Thomas Müntzer: his marriage to Sister Ottilie von Gersen; the effect he has as a radical preacher in Allstedt; his flight to southern Germany; and his role in the Peasants' Revolt.

Tinko

Tinko (1956)

Director: Ballmann, Herbert

After 1945, land reform forces Old Kraske to become an agricultural worker, but he continues to work on his own, flatly refusing to join any collective farming activities. He desperately wants a large-scale farm like Kimpel's in order to pass it on to his adored grandson, Tinko.

Tsar and Carpenter

Zar und Zimmermann (1956)

Director: Müller, Hans

In the Dutch town of Saardam, Tsar Peter the Great has disguised himself in order to learn the art of ship-building. Another Russian named Peter also works at the wharf, causing a comical case of mistaken identities.

Under the Egyptian Sun

Unter die Sonne Ägyptens (1956)

Director: Stanke, Kurt

In 1956 the popular car models Trabant and Wartburg were almost ready for mass production. A test drive of various GDR automobiles in Egypt serves as the impulse for this short documentary portrait of the North African country.

You and Some Comrade

Du und mancher Kamerad (1956)

Director: Thorndike, Andrew
Thorndike, Annelie

This documentary presents the history of twentieth-century Germany from an East German ideological perspective, focusing especially on the causes and political background of both World Wars.

Adventure in Bamsdorf

Abenteuer in Bamsdorf (1957)

Director: Petzold, Konrad

Siblings Toni and Rita have arrived safely at their grandmother's house in Bamsdorf in spite of a number of mishaps during their journey. After a few uneventful days, Toni's friend Klaus discovers a cave and the boys sneak out early one morning to go exploring.

Berlin — Schönhauser Corner

Berlin — Ecke Schönhauser (1957)

Director: Klein, Gerhard

They are East Berlin teenagers. They want to be free"”to dance to rock'n'roll, trade forbidden western goods and get away from the constraints of their parents and the state. This classic 1950's teen cult film became a box-office hit and was greeted with suspicion by East German officials.

Castles and Cottages

Schlösser und Katen (1957)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

This two-part epic traces the development of a manor and farm in Mecklenburg, from the flight of its aristocratic landowners before the advancing Soviet troops in 1945, to just after the East German uprising of June 17, 1953, by which time it has become an agricultural cooperative.

Don't Forget My Little Traudel

Vergeßt mir meine Traudel nicht (1957)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

The teacher Wolfgang Auer and the policeman Hannes Wunderlich are friends and housemates.

Duped Till Doomsday

Betrogen bis zum jüngsten Tag (1957)

Director: Jung-Alsen, Kurt

It is June 1941 and a company of German soldiers is stationed near the Lithuanian border. While on leave, three soldiers"”Wagner, Lick and Paulun"”go off on a hunting trip. All is fine until one of them accidentally shoots their captain's daughter.

Emilia Galotti

Emilia Galotti (1957)

Director: Hellberg, Martin

Emilia Galotti, daughter of colonel Odoardo, unwittingly attracts the attention of the depraved and tyrannical prince of Guastalla.

Fritz Cremer, Creator of the Buchenwald Memorial

Fritz Cremer, Schöpfer des Buchenwald-Denkmals (1957)

Director: Hugo Hermann

This portrait of East German sculptor and graphic artist Fritz Cremer (1906-1993) shows the artist at work in his studio and some of his art works, including sculptures for his Buchenwald Memorial.

GDR Magazine 1975/10: A Focus on Human Beings

DDR-Magazin 1975/10 (1957)

Director: Enseleit, Barbara Christa

Social welfare policies are designed to improve not just working conditions but also the quality of one's private life, as demonstrated in these three short documentary segments about family life.

Lissy

Lissy (1957)

Director: Wolf, Konrad

Berlin, early 1930s. Lissy (Sonja Sutter), a young woman raised in a socialist working-class family, marries a clerk who promises her a better life. During the depression, however, he gets fired and can't find a new job.

Love's Mazurka

Mazurka der Liebe (1957)

Director: Müller, Hans

Early 18th-century Krakow: The poor student Simon works as a travelling musician in order to finance his studies, and the Polish freedom fighter Jan is on the run from Saxon troops.

Rivals Behind the Wheel

Rivalen am Steuer (1957)

Director: Fiedler, Erich Wilhelm

Manfred Falk is an experienced race car driver and member of a racing collective in Eisenach. While competing in West Germany, the beautiful Manuela convinces him to leave his girlfriend Inge and his friends at the collective behind in order to join the South American Alvarez racing company.

Sheriff Teddy

Sheriff Teddy (1957)

Director: Carow, Heiner

Divided Berlin, 1950s: 13-year-old Kalle lives with his family in Wedding in the Western Sector of the city.

Ski Champions of the Future

Skimeister von morgen (1957)

Director: Kirsten, Ralf

Herbert and Günther are friends but also skiing rivals. Last year, Herbert received a pair of high-quality "golden snowshoe" skis from the state as a prize. This year, however, Günther is the favorite in spite of his normal skiing gear because he has trained harder.

The Magic Ring

Der Wunschring (1957)

Director: Böttge, Bruno J.

Hans, a miller's apprentice, can't stand working for his greedy master anymore and sets out into the world as a wandering journeyman. After he finds lodgings at a run-down mill, he helps to put the business back in order and receives a magic wishing ring as thanks for his help and hard work.

The Porcupine: The Parlor Game

Das Stacheltier — Das Gesellschaftsspiel — eine unglaubliche Geschichte oder? (1957)

Director: Beyer, Frank

Three gangsters try to crack a safe but have to flee the scene when an alarm goes off. Their boss at Central Break-Ins, LLC. is furious until Ricky recommends a new "occupation strategy."

The Singing, Ringing Tree

Das singende, klingende Bäumchen (1957)

Director: Stefani, Francesco

The prince must find the singing, ringing tree in order to win the hand of the haughty princess.

Two Mothers

Zwei Mütter (1957)

Director: Beyer, Frank

A WWII bombing run strikes a small Germany town, including the temporary hospital in which two women have just given birth.

Vacation in Sylt

Archive sagen aus — Urlaub auf Sylt (1957)

Director: Thorndike, Andrew
Thorndike, Annelie

Vacation in Sylt is a black and white compilation film about Heinz Reinefarth, a Nazi Party member, high SS police leader of Warthe, and later mayor (1951-1964) of Westerland/Sylt.

A Diary for Anne Frank

Ein Tagebuch für Anne Frank (1958)

Director: Hellwig, Joachim

This film briefly documents the well-known story of Anne Frank, whose family hid from the Nazis in Amsterdam. Eventually caught, Frank was sent to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where she later died.

A Fall Day in Alexandria

Ein Herbsttag in Alexandria (1958)

Director: Kleberg, Bruno

This short documentary profiles the famous Egyptian harbor city. Oriental bazaars represent the city's long history, while busy shopping streets and young couples on the beach serve as symbols of its modern face.

After 5000 Years

Nach 5000 Jahren (1958)

Director: Kleberg, Bruno

This documentary, a co-production with the Egyptian government, acquaints the viewer with an overview of Egypt's five-millenia-long history.

Baghdad

Bagdad (1958)

Director: Landvogt, Wolfgang

On July 14, 1958, the Iraqi government, which had close ties to the United States and Great Britain, was ousted in a military coup and the royal family and the prime minister were killed.

Chronicle of Film 1958

Filmchronik 1958 (1958)

Director: Fischer, Heinz
Hellberg, Martin

This DVD compilation chronicles the year 1958 through film.

Crime Scene: Berlin

Tatort Berlin (1958)

Director: Kunert, Joachim

Rudi Prange intends to have a fresh beginning once he is released from prison, and he's off to a good start with a new job at a transportation company. Yet, despite his good intentions, Rudi is pulled into a smuggling incident by a colleague.

Goods for Catalonia

Ware für Katalonien (1958)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

An old woman is arrested in the Berlin subway for trying to smuggle a telescope to West Berlin. Meanwhile, the body of an optical device dealer is found in a garden plot. But what is the connection between these two cases?

My Wife Loves to Sing

Meine Frau macht Musik (1958)

Director: Heinrich, Hans

Gustl Wagner's beloved wife Gerda, a housewife who was fond of singing, has become a star overnight, idolized and surrounded by admirers. Blinded by jealousy, Gustl sinks first to brooding, then sleeplessness, and finally to alcohol.

Operation Teutonic Sword

Archive sagen aus — Unternehmen Teutonenschwert (1958)

Director: Thorndike, Andrew
Thorndike, Annelie

This documentary features German army officer and NATO General Hans Speidel and his role before and during World War II.

Prolog to Kuhle Wampe

Prolog zu Kuhle Wampe (1958)

When director Slatan Dudow returned from French exile to eastern Germany in 1946, he joined the newly founded DEFA Film Studios. He wanted to release his Weimar-era communist film classic, Kuhle Wampe, or Who Owns the World?

Sun Seekers

Sonnensucher (1958)

Director: Wolf, Konrad

A socialist story of "atoms for peace" and compulsory labor in an East German uranium mine under Soviet control. Two young women are arrested after a bar room brawl in 1950 and sentenced to work in the Wismut uranium mines.

Täve on the Track

Auf Täves Spuren (1958)

Director: Hornig, Harry

In this documentary, Young Pioneers visit celebrated cyclist Gustav-Adolf "Täve" Schur. In 1955, he became the first (East) German to win the Peace Race, an international amateur cycling competition.

The Bat Squadron

Geschwader Fledermaus (1958)

Director: Engel, Erich

An American transport squadron lead by former General Lee (Wolfgang Heinz) is being well-paid to provide air support to the French colonial army in Vietnam.

The Porcupine: The Young Englishman

Das Stacheltier — Der junge Engländer (1958)

Director: Kolditz, Gottfried

In 1825, a stranger has withdrawn to the small southern German city of Grünwiesel to lead a quiet life, but he despises the inhabitants narrow-mindedness gossiping. One day a circus comes to town, and shortly afterwards, the stranger presents his "nephew" to the citizens, whose foreign-seeming ap

The Sailors' Song

Das Lied der Matrosen (1958)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt
Reisch, Günter

A heroic epic work detailing the German Revolution that occurred at the end of WWI.

The Story of Poor Hassan

Die Geschichte vom armen Hassan (1958)

Director: Klein, Gerhard

Hassan has nothing else in the world other than his wonderful parrot. When the rich neighbour's dog threatens the bird, Hassan defends it so vigorously that the dog is soon lying dead before him.

The Trial Is Postponed

Der Prozess wird vertagt (1958)

Director: Ballmann, Herbert

In 1955 Michael Vierkant, a Jew who emigrated during the Nazi-era, returns to the BRD to obtain the judgment of the former denouncer Korn, who was responsible for the murder of his sister.

There Are No Blue Mice

Blaue Mäuse gibt es nicht (1958)

Director: Georgi, Klaus

Two little mice are forbidden by their parents from playing with the differently looking blue mouse: All respectable mice are gray! We don't want anything to do with you!

They All Knew One Another

Sie kannten sich alle (1958)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

The Isenau automobil company is the region's only large company, so almost everyone in the area works together and knows each other.

They Called Him Amigo

Sie nannten ihn Amigo (1958)

Director: Carow, Heiner

A glaring poster in front of the house states "Wanted - Escaped murderer and robber! 5000 Marks Reward!" Rainer, known as Amigo, spots a man wearing a convict's uniform with a red sign on it, in a junk shed.

Thumbelina's Adventures

Däumelinchens Abenteuer (1958)

Director: Wiemer, Christl

Once upon a time, Thumbelina was born in a blossom. The little girl's adventure starts when a bumblebee opens the flower. Thumbelina has to hide in a nutshell from a toad who is eager to get married and she lands on a water-lily leaf.

Tilman Riemenschneider

Tilman Riemenschneider (1958)

This historical biographical film"”shot by Eugen Klagemann (The Murderers Are among Us)"”celebrates Tilman Riemenschneider, one of the greatest German sculptors of the late Middle Ages.

Trade Fair in Damascus

Messe in Damaskus (1958)

Director: Landvogt, Wolfgang

The Fifth International Damascus Fair, at which the GDR also presented its products and inventions, provides the occasion for brief comments on the city's history, culture and industry.

We Are Building Our Gate to the World

Wir bauen unser Tor zur Welt (1958)

Director: Reusch, Heinz

In the summer of 1958, volunteers from across the GDR come together to build an open-sea harbor for international trade near Rostock. In only six months, they are able to erect a 540 meter sea wall in Warnemünde.

Winner on Points

Sieger nach Punkten (1958)

Director: Fischer, Heinz

This short documentary shows how the restlessness of youth can be channeled into boxing, promoting a healthy, youthful national pastime and sports culture.

It is available for rent as part of the DVD collection Chronicle of Film 1958.

An Old Love

Eine alte Liebe (1959)

Director: Beyer, Frank

The Walkowiaks' marriage suffers due to the couple's differing perspectives on work. August (Erich Franz) looks forward to resting after retirement, while Frieda (Gisela May) invests much of her time and energy into her position as the head of an agricultural collective.

Artist of the People: John Heartfield

Künstler des Volkes (1959)

Director: Hübel, Wernfried

A celebration of the important graphic artist John Heartfield (1891-1968) that covers the main phases of his life and is interspersed with images of the artist's key works.

Intrigue and Love

Kabale und Liebe (1959)

Director: Hellberg, Martin

Ferdinand von Walther, the son of President von Walther, is in love with Luise, the daughter of the town musician Miller.

Life Begins

Das Leben beginnt (1959)

Director: Carow, Heiner

A new world full of excitement and temptation opens up for 18-year-old Erika (Doris Abeßer) when her father flees from Krüselin, a small village in Brandenburg, to West Berlin, taking his daughter with him.

Love's Confusion

Verwirrung der Liebe (1959)

Director: Dudow, Slatan

Sonya, an art student, loves the med student Dieter. And Siegi, a factory worker, loves the bricklayer Eddie. At a lavish Carnival party at East Berlin's art school an unintentional exchange of partners begins.

One of Us

Einer von uns (1959)

Director: Spieß, Helmut

Working-class athlete Richard Bertram (Günther Simon) is a talented wrestler whose political beliefs get him into trouble. When his club is dissolved by the Nazis, Richard continues to wrestle in a middle-class club, using his position to support the resistance movement.

Political Art: Käthe Kollwitz, Otto Dix, Otto Nagel

Kämpfende Kunst (1959)

Director: Oelschlägel, Götz

This short documentary looks at three important German visual artists: Käthe Kollwitz (1867-1945), Otto Dix (1891-1969) and Otto Nagel (1894-1967).

Poster Boys

Musterknaben (1959)

Director: Knittel, Johannes

The young construction workers Bassi and Edwin are considered the lazy black sheep of their brigade, and they also shirk their responsibilities within their living community. They don't see any need to change these attitudes until they decide to court Thea and Susi.

Sharp Left Beyond the Moon

Gleich links hinterm Mond (1959)

Director: Rätz, Günter

In this puppet animated film, all of the children on Earth would like a "beeping sputnik" for Christmas, but Santa's team up in space are worried because none of them know what a sputnik is.

So That a Good Germany May Flourish

Daß ein gutes Deutschland blühe (1959)

Director: Huisken, Joop

The documentary, which presents an optimistic portrait of the GDR's blooming meadows and cheerful workers, was produced for the occasion of country's 10th anniversary.

Stars

Sterne (1959)

Director: Wolf, Konrad

This gripping drama, based on personal experiences of screenwriter Angel Wagenstein, is set during a chapter of the Holocaust in the Balkans that sheds light on the experience of Sephardic Jews. It was awarded the Special Grand Jury Prize at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival.

The Porcupine: A Ride to Schöneberg

Das Stacheltier — Zwischen Zoo und Schöneberg (1959)

Director: Kurz, Rudi

This episode features a pompous customer and a West Berlin cab driver. Their conversation, full of wit and double-entendres, revolves around city government under mayor Willie Brandt and the American occupation. Punch line? The driver would rather have his cab occupied than free!

The Sensation of the Century

Die Sensation des Jahrhunderts (1959)

Director: Sacher, Otto

Preparations for the launch of the first manned American flight to the moon are in full swing. A journalist is breathlessly reporting on the exciting preparations for the sensational event and the newspapers are filled with promising headlines.

The Tinderbox

Das Feuerzeug (1959)

Director: Hartmann, Siegfried

A young soldier discovers copper, silver, gold and an old tinderbox in the hollow of an oak tree. He is now richer than he had ever dared dream, but he squanders his money until his pockets are empty. The old tinderbox is the only thing he still has.

White Blood

Weißes Blut (1959)

Director: Kolditz, Gottfried

Army officer Manfred von der Lohe (Jürgen Frohriep) returns to West Germany from a special training program in the United States, only to learn that he has been exposed to a potentially fatal dose of radiation during an atomic test.

Why Everyone Has a Kernel of Wisdom

Warum jeder ein Körnchen Weisheit besitzt (1959)

Director: Böttge, Bruno J.

In this silhouette animation film, a teacher tells his students a traditional fairy tale from Ghana: Anansi, a clever but self-centered spider, wants to gain power over all the other animals by controlling their wisdom.

8 Seiler Alley

Seilergasse 8 (1960)

Director: Kunert, Joachim

Lisa Gau is found dead in her apartment at No. 8 Seiler Street. Her neighbor Police Captain Schirding takes on the case and the apparent suicide is soon revealed to be murder by poison.

Alarm at the Puppet Theater

Alarm im Kasperletheater (1960)

Director: Barke, Lothar

Funny things happen at night at the puppet theater — especially today, since there were jelly donuts for Grandma's birthday!

Cosmos: In Remembrance of Alexander von Humboldt

Kosmos — Erinnerungen an Alexander von Humboldt (1960)

Director: Gass, Karl

This film about the scientific research of nineteenth-century naturalist Alexander von Humboldt was produced by the DEFA Studio for Popular Scientific Films.

Farmland: A Chronicle

Bauernland — Eine Chronik (1960)

Director: Hornig, Harry

This documentary traces the development of the model socialist village of Mestlin in Mecklenburg, beginning with the founding of the first agricultural production cooperative in 1952 until its organization as a people's collective in 1960.

Five Cartridges

Fünf Patronenhülsen (1960)

Director: Beyer, Frank

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), five International Brigade soldiers of different nationalities are given a crucial assignment as their commander lies dying: they are to smuggle top-secret information across enemy lines.

Five Days, Five Nights

Fünf Tage — Fünf Nächte (1960)

Director: Arnshtam, Lev
Golowanow, Anatoli
Thiel, Heinz

May 8, 1945: WWII is over. Dresden is in ruins. But where are the 2200 paintings by artists such as Rembrandt, Raphael, Rubens, Giorgione, and Vermeer van Delft from the Old Masters Picture Gallery?

Georg Friedrich Händel

Georg Friedrich Händel (1960)

Director: Hübel, Wernfried

World-renowned composer Georg Friedrich Händel was born on February 13, 1685, in Halle, and his musical talent was discovered and encouraged beginning at a young age.

Ghana Today

Ghana heute (1960)

Director: Marten, Walter

This short documentary portrays Ghana during its first years of independance. The footage includes the 1960 All-African Conference held in the capital city of Accra, which dealt with the problems of African states.

Hatifa

Hatifa (1960)

Director: Hartmann, Siegfried

Hatifa has escaped from a slave camp in a quarry. The wise Simsal and his servant Hodya find her exhausted in the desert. Simsal cares for her like a father, and Hodya, who is the same age as Hatifa, becomes her best friend.

Love and the Co-Pilot

Die Liebe und der Co-Pilot (1960)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

Co-pilot Horst (Horst Drinda) is a braggart and a true Don Juan. When he tells Ilse (Gerlind Ahnert) that he is an aircraft commander, he is thoroughly embarrassed to encounter her on board his plane - as the stewardess!

Mother Courage and Her Children

Mutter Courage und ihre Kinder (1960)

Director: Manfred Wekwerth
Peter Palitzsch

Set during the Thirty Years' War, in the first half of the 17th century: Anna Fierling, also called Mother Courage, is a merchant with a wagonload of food and goods.

New Year's Eve Punch

Silvesterpunsch (1960)

Director: Reisch, Günter

In the sequel to The Punch Bowl (Maibowle, 1959), the Lehmann family is preparing to celebrate New Year's Eve. The family's two sons, cultural enthusiast Franz (Heinz Draehn) and sport fanatic Michel (Achim Schmidtchen), lead two separate brigades at work.

People with Wings

Leute mit Flügeln (1960)

Director: Wolf, Konrad

This film continues the story of radio operator Ludwig Bartuschek from The Sailors' Song. Near the end of the Weimar Republic, Bartuschek (Erwin Geschonneck) is working as a mechanic in the Sperber airplane plant.

Rumpelstiltskin

Das Zaubermännchen (1960)

Director: Engel, Christoph

The classic Grimm's fairy tale with socially critical overtones in its analysis of work and exploitation.

Stone Age Ballad

Steinzeitballade (1960)

Director: Kirsten, Ralf

A group of rubble women work for the Scharrhahn building company in 1946 Berlin. The women are primarily focused on their own survival; only old Ms. Knorz and supervisor Anna Lubitzke try to build a sense of team solidarity.

The Beautiful Lurette

Die schöne Lurette (1960)

Director: Kolditz, Gottfried

The beautiful and charming laundress Lurette is a well sought-after young woman in Ludwig XV's Paris. Her heart is already taken, however, and she makes elaborate plans during Carnival to obtain the man she truly loves, the carpenter Campistrel.

The Cloud Lamb

Das Wolkenschaf (1960)

Director: Georgi, Katja

Christine lives with her parents on the outskirts of the city. She loves to walk her dachshund.

The Dog in the Moors

Der Moorhund (1960)

Director: Petzold, Konrad

Twelve-year-old Klaus spends his vacation with his father, the captain of a border garrison. Klaus and his friend Fritz spend their free time searching the nearby woods for the legendary "Dog in the Moors."

The Face of the New Africa

Das Gesicht des neuen Afrika (1960)

Director: Dumke, Hans

A portrait of the West African country of Guinea shortly after its independence from France.

The documentary depicts aspects of daily life in the city and the country as well as the ongoing transition to new forms of education, industry and goverment.

The New Craze

Der neue Fimmel (1960)

Director: Beck, Walter

Soccer fever has broken out among the children of Hangelin, causing them to neglect their homework and chores. While their parents hope the excitement will soon die down, the children clear out an old scrap yard to make themselves a soccer field.

The Silent Star

Der schweigende Stern (1960)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

The spaceship Cosmocrator with a multiracial and multicultural crew of seven men and a woman undertakes an expedition to Venus in 1970. It had only just been discovered that a cosmic stone that had fallen in the Gobi desert sends signals.

We Must Make Our Moves: Chess Olympiad 1960

Wir müssen die Züge tun — Schacholympiade 1960 (1960)

Director: Sobiczewski, Heinz

This documentary presents the 14th international Chess Olympiad, which was held in Leipzig in the fall of 1960.

What Would Happen If...?

Was wäre, wenn"...? (1960)

Director: Klingenberg, Gerhard

In the late 1950s, the collectivization of agriculture is in full swing in the East German village of Willshagen on the German-German border. Those in charge have to face many obstacles, especially from a large-scale farmer who is unwilling to join the co-op.

World Championships

Championnats du Monde (1960)

Director: Sobiczewski, Heinz

This short documentary presents the 1960 Cycling World Championships, which were hosted by the GDR. The crowning achievement for East Germany was when cyclists Bernhard Eckstein and Täve Schur took first and second place in the amateur road race.

Allons enfants ... For Algeria

Allons enfants ... pour l'Algérie (1961)

Director: Gass, Karl

This documentary, whose title is an adaption of the first line of the French national anthem, presents the Algerian war for independance from France in three stylistically distinct chapters.

Camping with a Station Wagon Through Tunisia

Mit Kombi und Camping durch Tunesien (1961)

Director: Gass, Karl

In the name of friendship between nations, the film team travelled through Tunesia to visit a refugee camp on the Algerian border. The film emphasizes the fate of the children in the camp and calls for solidarity with the Algerian people who are caught in a war for independence from France.

Captain Loy's Dream

Der Traum des Hauptmann Loy (1961)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

An American military plane is transporting six people who have just participated in a NATO maneuver, including the Englishman Captain Loy and American Air Force Corporal Doris Graves.

Dance on Saturday — Murder?

Tanz am Sonnabend — Mord? (1961)

Director: Thiel, Heinz

A Saturday evening dance in the village pub is interrupted when the barn of local farmer Paul Gäbler catches on fire. The farmer himself is soon found — hanged.

It Stops Here

Das Ganze halt (1961)

Director: Mendelsohn, Dieter

The building of the Berlin Wall is justified as a necessary measure to prevent West German imperialist aggression and preserve the peace.

On the Sunny Side

Auf der Sonnenseite (1961)

Director: Kirsten, Ralf

This romantic musical comedy relates the story of the artistically talented steel smelter Martin Hoff, who is expelled from drama school shortly after his arrival.

Paul Robeson Amongst Us

Paul Robeson bei uns (1961)

Director: Hartmann, Jürgen

African-American singer and activist Paul Robeson travels to the GDR. He is welcomed at the airport by members of the Peace Council, given an honorary doctorate from the Humboldt University and receives the "Star of Friendship between Peoples" from Walter Ulbricht.

Professor Mamlock

Professor Mamlock (1961)

Director: Wolf, Konrad

A Jewish chief surgeon in Berlin, Professor Mamlock believes in reason, humanism and his country. As 1933 begins, he remains blind to the increasing anti-Semitism around him. He is troubled by those with opposing political views and throws his communist-leaning son out of the house.

Snow White

Schneewittchen (1961)

Director: Kolditz, Gottfried

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful and haughty queen who had a magic mirror. She would ask it, "Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" And as long as the mirror answered, "You, Queen, are the fairest here," she was content.

The Gleiwitz Case

Der Fall Gleiwitz (1961)

Director: Klein, Gerhard

The Gleiwitz Case reconstructs in detail the 1939 surprise attack by a Nazi unit on the radio station in Gleiwitz, a German town on the Polish border. This attack was blamed on Polish forces, thus served as Hitler's justification for marching into Poland and starting WWII.

The Golden Yurt

Die goldene Jurte (1961)

Director: Dordschpalam, Rabschaa
Kolditz, Gottfried

Herder Pagwa lives in a hut in a valley of beautiful flowers, where he hoards a mysterious chest whose secret is not revealed even to his three sons. The elder two believe that the chest is filled with gold and precious stones, so they break it open.

The Little Wooden Calf

Das hölzerne Kälbchen (1961)

Director: Thieme, Bernhard

The rich villagers are stealing cows from the poorer farmers. The farmers must work together to figure out who is responsible for this crime. 

Based on a Grimms' fairytale.

The Man with the Magic Lens

Der Mann mit dem Objektiv (1961)

Director: Vogel, Frank

A technical glitch sends rocket pilot Os (Rolf Ludwig) from the year 2222 back to 1960 — naked and without any money. A 24-hour stay in East Germany brings a number of adventures for him, as well as for the people he meets.

The Robe

Das Kleid (1961)

Director: Petzold, Konrad

Poor weavers Hans (Horst Drinda) und Kumpan (Werner Lierck) try to enter a town surrounded by a tall, impenetrable wall, where everyone is apparently very happy.

Three of Many

Drei von vielen (1961)

Director: Böttcher, Jürgen

An affectionate portrait of three workers"”Peter Herrmann, Peter Graf and Peter Makolies"”who took art classes with Böttcher. Ralf Winkler, another of Böttcher's students, who later became known as A. R. Penck, also makes an appearance in the film.

A Lively Christmas Eve

Ach, du fröhliche... (1962)

Director: Reisch, Günter

Managing director Walter Lörke (Erwin Geschonneck) had been looking forward to a cosy Christmas Eve spent with the family. But then his daughter Anne (Karin Schröder) has a surprise for him: his future son-in-law Thomas Ostermann (Arno Wyzniewski).

And Your Love Too

... und deine Liebe auch (1962)

Director: Vogel, Frank

On August 13th, 1961"”the night the Berlin Wall goes up"”three people must make a decision that will change their lives forever"¦

Arnold Zweig

Arnold Zweig (1962)

Director: Huisken, Joop

This last filmic portrait of Arnold Zweig (1887-1968) retells important events in the author's life: his childhood; WWI; his emigration to Czechoslovakia, France, and later Palestine during WWII; his return to Germany in 1948 and his involvement in the communist system.

Bosun on the Ice Floe

Bootsmann auf der Scholle (1962)

Director: Krauße, Werner

On a cold winter day, Jochen, Uwe and Kathrin play with a little dog called Bosun on the beach. Jochen wants to try out the ice and he walks further and further away from the beach. Bosun follows him. Suddenly the ice breaks and Bosum drifts away on an ice floe.

Fetzer's Escape

Fetzers Flucht (1962)

Director: Stahnke, Günter

Eighteen-year-old Harry Fetzer (Ekkehard Schall) tries to leave the GDR for West Germany illegally. In the process, he gets into a serious argument with a guard on the train, who tries to interfere with his plans. When they fight, the guard slips from the moving train and is killed.

Filopat & Patafil: The Race

Filopat & Patafil: Der Wettlauf (1962)

Director: Rätz, Günter

The tall, arrogant Filopat and the short, clever Patafil want to race each other all the way to a tree on the horizon. While Patafil prepares for the race, Filopat measures the course and covertly builds a ditch crossing the track to shake off Patafil.

Fog

Nebel (1962)

Director: Hasler, Joachim

At the beginning of the 1960s, NATO sends a German envoy (Helmut Schreiber) to the British village of Rocksmouth to salvage an old shipwreck so that a new naval base can be established there.

Knock-Out

Der Kinnhaken (1962)

Director: Thiel, Heinz

Carolin lives in the East but works in a West Berlin bar. After the building of the wall she tries to persuade Georg, a soldier of the border regiment, to let her cross over. He falls in love with her and defends her against a West German pimp with a punch to the jaw.

Lin Jaldati Sings

Lin Jaldati singt (1962)

Director: Jentsch, Gerhard

Dedicated to the "Comrades in our National People's Army," this short film features Lin Jadalti"”a widely-known, GDR-based Jewish singer"”performing in German and Yiddish.

Little Red Riding Hood

Rotkäppchen (1962)

Director: Friedrich, Götz

Little Red Riding-Hood lives with her parents in the middle of a forest. When Grandmother falls ill, Little Red Riding-Hood sets off to visit her.

Look at This City

Schaut auf diese Stadt (1962)

Director: Gass, Karl

Documentary footage is intercut at a breathless pace to tell the story of Berlin's reconstruction post-WWII from the East German perspective.

Midnight Revue

Revue um Mitternacht (1962)

Director: Kolditz, Gottfried

Famous producer Otto Kruse brags that he will produce a successful, new kind of revue film.

Minna von Barnhelm, or the Soldier's Fortune

Minna von Barnhelm, oder das Soldatenglück (1962)

Director: Hellberg, Martin

This film takes place during the Seven Years' War. The Prussian Major von Tellheim has become engaged to the Saxon noblewoman Minna von Barnhelm. After the war, the King — in an unwarranted move — deprives the major of his honor.

Monolog for a Taxi Driver

Monolog für einen Taxifahrer (1962)

Director: Stahnke, Günter

An East Berlin taxi driver's shift on Christmas Eve turns into a self-reflection on life, society, and his strained relationship with his wife.

Problem Children

Die Sorgenkinder — Eine Geschichte für erwachsene Kinder, gedreht vor dem 13. August (1962)

Director: Nitzschke, Helmut

The leader of a women's brigade hands out theater tickets for employees and their families. One woman steals a modern suitcoat for her boyfriend because he only owns a leather jacket from the West. Mishaps on their way to Berlin's Volksbühne Theater cause her to tell him the truth.

Secret Files

Geheimarchiv an der Elbe (1962)

Director: Jung-Alsen, Kurt

During the final months of WWII, SS troop leader Upitz (Günther Simon) negotiates with the American secret service. He hopes to secure his own future in exchange for handing over the SS secret files, which include the entire network of Gestapo agents from the Balkans to the Baltic.

Star-Crossed Lovers

Königskinder (1962)

Director: Beyer, Frank

In the final days of WWII the German soldiers Michael and Jürgen are on a Russian military plane to Moscow. In flashbacks, they remember"¦

The Baldheaded Gang

Die Glatzkopfbande (1962)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

In August 1961, the former Foreign Legionnaire King and his gang of guys are rabble-rousers. After working on a construction site, the gang moves to a campground on the Baltic Sea, unaware that their shoddy work will lead to two deaths.

The Black Galley

Die schwarze Galeere (1962)

Director: Hellberg, Martin

Jan and Myga are ten years old when their city, Antwerp, falls again to the invading Spanish army at the end of the 16th century. Jan follows his father into exile.

The Hunt for the Boot

Die Jagd nach dem Stiefel (1962)

Director: Petzold, Konrad

Berlin, 1932: In a worker's quarter, a Communist Pioneer leader is found battered to death. Instead of investigating the case, the police try pin the murder on the dead man's Communist friends, eventually arresting his comrade Kurt Büttner.

The Second Track

Das zweite Gleis (1962)

Director: Kunert, Joachim

Station Inspector Brock witnesses a robbery.

The Story of King Midas

Vom König Midas (1962)

Director: Stahnke, Günter

This children's film opera was made by Günter Stahnke, Günter Kunert and composer Kurt Schwaen"”the same team that collaborated on the banned 1962 TV-film opera, Fetzer's Escape.

The Tale of the Golden Shuttle

Das Märchen vom goldenen Schützen (1962)

Director: Böttge, Bruno J.

Peter and Anne live in a struggling Upper Lusation weavers' village and would get married if they weren't so poor. Anne's father tells them that things used to be different when the village had a magic golden weaving shuttle that made everyone's work much easier.

The Twelve Chairs

Las doce sillas (1962)

Director: Alea, Tomás Gutiérrez

On her deathbed, a wealthy woman reveals that she — in order to keep her possessions from being given to a collective — has hidden her jewels in one of twelve identical chairs, newly confiscated by revolutionary authorities.

Black Velvet

Schwarzer Samt (1963)

Director: Thiel, Heinz

The state security service has found out about a plot against the GDR and Officer Alexander Berg (Fred Delmare) is assigned to investigate.

Brothers and Sisters

Brüder und Schwestern (1963)

Director: Heynowski, Walter

A few days after the GDR built the Berlin Wall, West German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer commented that this was "an infamous and brutal act against our brothers and sisters in the Zone." Director Walter Heynowski digs into this ubiquitous West German expression, using footage from West German news

Carbide and Sorrel

Karbid und Sauerampfer (1963)

Director: Beyer, Frank

In the summer of 1945, Dresden factory workers send their colleague Kalle (Erwin Geschonneck) hundreds of miles north to pick up supplies. His attempts to travel through the Soviet occupation zone become a hilarious odyssey full of high jinks and misadventures.

Charlie & Co.

Charlie & Co. (1963)

Director: Böttcher, Jürgen

Workers, employees, technicians and engineers from the Karl Marx Plant in Magdeburg came together to found an amateur circus. As acrobats, clowns and musicians, they rehearse in preparation for a public performance at their workplace.

Encounters between Boys and Girls-1: Will You Tell Your Child?

Beziehungen zwischen Jungen und Mädchen: Sagst Du's Deinem Kinde? (1963)

Director: Oelschlägel, Götz

The first part of a film series on sexual education, designed for parents of children and teens.

Encounters between Boys and Girls-2: Because I'm No Longer a Child

Beziehungen zwischen Jungen und Mädchen — ...weil ich kein Kind mehr bin... (1963)

Director: Oelschlägel, Götz

The second part of a film series on sexual education designed for parents of children and teens. Director Götz Oelschlegel addressed the taboo issue of sexuality well before the first films made by the champion of sexual education, Oswald Kolle, at the end of the 1960s.

For Eyes Only - Top Secret

for eyes only - streng geheim (1963)

Director: Veiczi, János

Hansen is a double agent working for the East German secret police. He has infiltrated the American Military Intelligence Division, part of a network planning to invade the GDR. Hansen's mission is to obtain and bring back classified, top-secret documents.

Globke Today

Globke heute (1963)

Director: Heynowski, Walter

Hans Globke was a government lawyer in the Third Reich Ministry of the Interior and co-author of the official commentary on the Nuremberg Race Laws of 1935. In 1953, he was appointed Director of the West German Federal Chancellory by Konrad Adenauer and in 1963 he was sentenced to life imprisonme

Heiner and His Little Roosters

Heiner und seine Hähnchen (1963)

Director: Georgi, Klaus

Heiner takes good care of his three little roosters and gives them fresh sand every day. One day, he goes to the beach to get some sand. When he sees a plover, he races with him and forgets about his roosters.

It Happened One Summer

Beschreibung eines Sommers (1963)

Director: Kirsten, Ralf

Engineer Tom Breitsprecher, who has always been more interested in women than political engagement, reluctantly agrees to supervise a team of young FDJ volunteers who are building a new industrial complex.

Joris Ivens: He Filmed on Five Continents

Joris Ivens — Er filmte auf fünf Kontinenten (1963)

Director: Hadaschik, Joachim

This documentary is about the director Joris Ivens and his most important films, including Regen, Borinage, Spanische Erde, 400 Millionen, and Die Seine trifft sich mit Paris. The film depicts Ivens in the editing room, attending congresses, and discussing his work.

Just a Fairy Tale

Nur ein Märchen (1963)

Director: Schröder, Carl

Mistress Holle, the head of the "Brothers Grimm" agricultural collective, is responsible for supervising two women with very different working styles. Maria Gold is diligent and dependable, while lazy Maria Pech is never able to deliver quality products.

Little Matten and the White Shell

Lütt Matten und die weiße Muschel (1963)

Director: Zschoche, Herrmann

Little Matten, a fisherman's son, tries to build his own fish traps, but he only ends up disappointed and embarrassed when he can't catch anything.

Mother Hulda

Frau Holle (1963)

Director: Kolditz, Gottfried

The widow has an ugly and lazy daughter, Pechmarie, and a beautiful and hard-working step-daughter, Goldmarie.

Naked Among Wolves

Nackt unter Wölfen (1963)

Director: Beyer, Frank

Jankowski, a Polish prisoner from Auschwitz, arrives at the Buchenwald concentration camp carrying a suitcase. Inside the suitcase is a small Jewish boy he has kept from harm. Once at Buchenwald, prisoners working in the property storage room discover the child.

Prelude 11

Preludio 11 (1963)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

Codeword: Prelude. Daniela — a single mother, whose boyfriend left for the US — believes wholeheartedly in Cuba's revolutionary new order. Meanwhile, in Florida, a plot is afoot.

Reserved for Death

Reserviert für den Tod (1963)

Director: Thiel, Heinz

Erich Becker joins the West German secret service, lured in by a harmless but lucrative assignment in Stockholm. His second mission turns out to be something much more serious: military espionage in his former home city of Erfurt.

Sketches of Thuringia

Thüringer Skizzen (1963)

Director: Hammer, Erich

This report on Thuringia covers its history and beautiful landscape as well as the region's multifaceted industrial sectors and agricultural and forestry production facilities.

The Laenneken Wedding

Die Hochzeit von Länneken (1963)

Director: Carow, Heiner

The little island of Laenneken is a place where time seems to stands still. Traditional customs and age-old power relations are still in place and are unaffected by modern-day influences.

The Little Apricot Tree

Das Aprikosenbäumchen (1963)

Director: Barke, Lothar

Peter, Monika and the little dog Struppi plant a little apricot tree. During the spring the tree is in full bloom. But when summer comes it is so dry and the kids and Struppi are worried about their tree. One day, they decide to go to the weather station and ask about the missing rain.

The Quest for the Bird of Many Colors

Die Suche nach dem wunderbunten Vögelchen (1963)

Director: Losansky, Rolf

Sunshine Children's Home in the small town of Käsebrot has an unusual treasure: a beautiful multi-colored pet bird, whose song makes flowers bloom, fountains bubble, and the children wake up happily every morning. When the bird is stolen, the police and the children search for it.

The Russian Wonder, Part 1

Das russische Wunder, Teil 1 (1963)

Director: Thorndike, Andrew
Thorndike, Annelie

The Russian Wonder tells the story of the sweeping historical changes that took place in Russia, from the empire of peasants and czars, to the October Revolution of 1917, up to the contemporary Soviet Union and the first manned space flight in 1961.

The Russian Wonder, Part 2

Das Russiche Wunder, Part 2 (1963)

Director: Thorndike, Andrew
Thorndike, Annelie

The Russian Wonder tells the story of the sweeping historical changes that took place in Russia, from the empire of peasants and czars, to the October Revolution of 1917, up to the contemporary Soviet Union and the first manned space flight in 1961.

Three Letters

Drei Briefe (1963)

Director: Jaap, Max

Three international students write letters home about their time in East Germany. Antonio Dega, a Cuban studying shipbuilding, writes home about the beauty of the Baltic Sea and studying in German. Julienne, from Togo, praises the training she is receiving in midwifery in Dresden.

Alaska Foxes

Alaskafüchse (1964)

Director: Wallroth, Werner W.

Captain Jim Leslie, a US Air Force pilot, is stationed at a military base near the Russian border in Alaska. His interest in Brenda, the commander's daughter, causes him to run afoul of her fiancé, Senator Gordon Gray.

Barefoot and Without a Hat

Barfuß und ohne Hut (1964)

Director: Böttcher, Jürgen

Friendship, fun and contemplation characterize the lives of a group of twenty-year-olds who spend their summer vacation in Prerow on the Baltic Sea. In brief interviews, they discuss their past achievements, future plans, dreams and perspectives.

Beloved White Mouse

Geliebte weiße Maus (1964)

Director: Kolditz, Gottfried

Helene rides her motor scooter by Fritz, the "White Mouse," every morning as he directs traffic through the intersection. Though he yields the right-of-way to her often, they have never spoken and she wants more than his friendly gesture.

Chicken Gock and the Smart Mice

Hähnchen Gock und die schlauen Mäuse (1964)

Director: Krauße-Anderson, Monika

The two mice play and dance the whole day while the rooster works. One day, the rooster finds an ear of wheat and the mice suggest to thresh and mill it. The rooster takes care of the work while the mice leave to play. He even bakes a cake.

Chronicle of a Murder

Chronik eines Mordes (1964)

Director: Hasler, Joachim

Ruth Bodenheim returns to West Germany a broken woman from the war. As a seventeen-year-old Jewish woman, the Nazis sent her to a brothel in Poland and her parents to a concentration camp. Her former fiancée, Dr. Martin, marries her when she returns, and his love and patience help her heal.

Divided Heaven

Der geteilte Himmel (1964)

Director: Wolf, Konrad

After a breakdown, Rita returns to her childhood village in 1961.

Encounters between Boys and Girls-3: Partners

Beziehungen zwischen Jungen und Mädchen: Partner (1964)

Director: Oelschlägel, Götz

The third part of a film series on sexual education, designed for parents of children and teens, that addressed the taboo issue of sexuality (well before the first films made by the champion of sexual education, Oswald Kolle, at the end of the 1960s).

Follow Me, Rascals!

Mir nach, Canaillen! (1964)

Director: Kirsten, Ralf

A wild story set in eighteenth-century Prussia. Alexander can do everything that a real devil of a fellow must be able to do: ride, shoot, love and devise clever plots. As a result, he is able to climb the ladder from herder to chamber master, where he makes a fool of the feudal lords.

Freedom for Zanzibar

Uhuru kwa Sansibar (1964)

Director: Reusch, Heinz

After the People's Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba was declared on 12 January 1964, the GDR provided the African island country with assistance in improving its economy, education, health care and housing.

Heinrich the Deer

Hirsch Heinrich (1964)

Director: Rätz, Günter

Heinrich the deer arrives at the zoo. The children enthusiastically welcome him and soon they all become friends. When winter arrives, the children don't come to visit Heinrich anymore. He doesn't know that they are just busy with their Christmas preparations and goes to search for them.

Hero of the Reserve

Der Reserveheld (1964)

Director: Luderer, Wolfgang

Famous actor Ralf Horricht (played by comedian Rolf Herricht) is working on a film about life as a soldier. While taking some time off from shooting for a honeymoon trip, he is called up from reserves and brought to a military training camp.

Leisure

Feierabend (1964)

Director: Gass, Karl

Without adornment or embellishment, Karl Gass presents the rough everyday life of assembly line operators after they get off work at the well-known model Schwedt plant.

On Both Sides

Hüben und drüben (1964)

Director: Heynowski, Walter

This film documents the East Germans' criticism of West German capitalism and the country's free market economy.

Pension Boulanka

Pension Boulanka (1964)

Director: Krätzig, Helmut

A murder has been committed in Pension Boulanka, a famous guesthouse for artists and circus people.

Peterle and the Christmas Goose Auguste

Peterle und die Weihnachtsgans Auguste (1964)

Director: Simon, Rainer

Little Peterle's father buys a goose at the Christmas market. But Peterle turns the bird, which he calls Guste, into a family pet and won't go to sleep unless she is allowed to sleep in his room instead of the cold cellar.

The Adventures of Werner Holt

Die Abenteuer des Werner Holt (1964)

Director: Kunert, Joachim

Two 17-year-olds, Werner Holt and Gilbert Wolzow, are pulled out of school and into Hitler's army. Gilbert becomes a fanatical soldier; but at the front, Werner begins to understand the senselessness of war. When Gilbert is hanged by the SS, Werner turns his gun on his own army.

The Brave Little Tailor

Das tapfere Schneiderlein (1964)

Director: Weiler, Kurt

The little tailor is eating some delicious plum butter while he sews, but the smell attracts a swarm of flies. The tailor swats at them, killing seven at once. He is so impressed by this act that he makes himself a sash with the motto "Seven With One Blow."

The Flying Dutchman

Der fliegende Holländer (1964)

Director: Herz, Joachim

In order to escape her narrow and restrictive life, Senta, the daughter of a rich shipowner, seeks refuge in her fantasies and dreams. In this realm of imagination, a bold and restless sea captain appears to her"”the Flying Dutchman"”who is cursed to wander the seas forever.

The Flying Grandfather

Der fliegende Großvater (1964)

Director: Barke, Lothar

A grandfather builds a giant kite with his grandson, but first time they try to fly it, they are pulled up into the sky! Grandma is worried that the pair will catch a cold during their flight and insists on sending warm winter clothes up to them.

The Golden Goose

Die goldene Gans (1964)

Director: Hartmann, Siegfried

Klaus lives and works with his two brothers, Kunz and Franz, but they are cruel and treat him poorly. One day, Klaus helps an old woman and offers to share his frugal meal. In return, she gives him a goose with feathers made of pure gold as a gift.

The Little Dots

Pünktchen (1964)

Director: Böttge, Bruno J.

Simple artistic structures, including little dots and moving lines, are used to create this cut-out animation story.

The Little Frog and His Tire

Vom Fröschlein und seinem Reifen (1964)

In this silhouette animated film, a little frog jumps out of the pond and wants to see the world. He is excited about new discoveries, not yet knowing about the dangerous stork. He almost gets eaten but is fortunately able to save himself at the last minute.

The Song of the Trumpeter

Das Lied vom Trompeter (1964)

Director: Petzold, Konrad

Fritz Weineck (Horst Jonischkan), a worker's son from Halle, loves music and hopes to make a living out of it one day. When his friend Alfons, a World War I veteran, gives him a trumpet as a gift, Fritz seems to be one step closer to his dream.

The Timid Little Rabbit

Der Angsthase (1964)

Director: Barke, Lothar

Cowardy, cowardy custard! shout the children who do not want to play with the little rabbit who sees danger everywhere. The little rabbit is very unhappy until one day, without thinking of being afraid, he catches the fox, who tries to kidnap his friend.

We Are the Music!

Nosotros, la música! (1964)

Director: Paris, Rogelio

Featuring legendary Cuban musicians, as well as vibrant spontaneous performances, We Are the Music! captures the mood and vitality of Havana during its golden period.

When Martin Was Fourteen

Als Martin vierzehn war (1964)

Director: Beck, Walter

Martin and his friend Kathrin find their youth abruptly ended in March 1920, when their village is drawn into the events surrounding the reactionary Kapp Putsch.

Alfons Wobblecheek

Alfons Zitterbacke (1965)

Director: Petzold, Konrad

Alfons has to deal with a lot of teasing - and not just because of his funny last name. Even his own father, a big and strong head chef, complains about his son's lack of muscles and tries to beef the boy up.

As Long as There Is Life in Me

Solange Leben in mir ist (1965)

Director: Reisch, Günter

In 1914, Germany is arming itself for war. Karl Liebknecht, left-wing revolutionary Social Democrat, workers' leader and a virulent antimilitarist, is one among 110 SPD members of Parliament who vote against approving war loans.

Commando 52

Kommando 52 (1965)

Director: Heynowski, Walter

A portrait of the eponymous German-French mercenary squad"”led by ex-Wehrmacht soldier Siegfried Müller (aka Kongo-Müller)"”that was responsible for some of the worst massacres of the 1964 Congo Crisis.

Encounters between Boys and Girls-4: Don't Be Shy with Awkward Questions

Beziehungen zwischen Jungen und Mädchen — Keine Scheu vor heiklen Fragen (1965)

Director: Oelschlägel, Götz

The fourth and final part of a film series on sexual education designed for parents of children and teens. The director addressed the taboo issue of sexuality well before the first films made by the champion of sexual education, Oswald Kolle, at the end of the 1960s.

Heinrich the Thwarted

Heinrich der Verhinderte (1965)

Director: Weiler, Kurt

Duke Heinrich von Libnitz wins a knightly drink competition in 1472. However, the last barrel he drinks costs him his entire estate. So he has to find a new property!

Just Don't Think I'll Cry

Denk bloß nicht, ich heule (1965)

Director: Vogel, Frank

High-school senior Peter considers the adults around him to be hypocritical, self-congratulatory and immersed in the past. He gets suspended for writing an essay that his teachers see as a challenge to the state.

King Throstlebeard

König Drosselbart (1965)

Director: Beck, Walter

The young men vying for the princess's favor are admittedly not always knights in shining armor. But does she have to be so arrogant and spiteful?

Let off with Probation

Entlassen auf Bewährung (1965)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

After causing a deadly hit-and-run motorcycle accident, Conny Schenk spends two years in prison, where he is able to complete a printing apprenticeship and is released early for good behavior.

Lot's Wife

Lots Weib (1965)

Director: Günther, Egon

The marriage of Katrin and Richard Lot has become a routine. She has a career and he, as a Marine officer, comes home only once every fourteen days. The children greet him with joy, but she greets him only with anxiety because their marriage is missing its key ingredient: love.

Marhab — Welcome!

Marhab — Willkommen! (1965)

Director: Gass, Karl

This documentary was made during Walter Ulbricht's state visit to Egypt. Images of village life, students in schools and factories, and laborers at the Assuan Dam present the country's four-thousand-year history and the modern metropolis of Cairo.

OK

O.k. (1965)

Director: Heynowski, Walter

In a Refugee Reception Center for migrants in Eisenach, the director gets to know 21-year-old Doris S., who moved to West Germany and returned.

Spring Takes Time

Der Frühling braucht Zeit (1965)

Director: Stahnke, Günter

Was it an act of sabotage or willful negligence? The non-party engineer Heinz Solter is suddenly arrested and accused of approving a defective pipeline that caused a half million loss to his company.

The Banner of Kriwoj Rog

Die Fahne von Kriwoj Rog (1965)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

In an act of friendship and solidarity between two mining towns in 1929, the locals of Kriwoj Rog, Russia, give their flag as a gift to the locals of Bergstedt, Germany.

The Best Years

Die besten Jahre (1965)

Director: Rücker, Günther

In 1945, the young Ernst Machner (Horst Drinda) returns home to start a new life. Although he would like to weave for a living, his comrades persuade him to become a teacher instead.

The Black Star

Der schwarze Stern (1965)

Director: Hellwig, Joachim

A cinema-verité documentary of Ghana's five years of independence under President Kwame Nkruma. Striking color images of Africans in modern-day jobs, such as airline pilot and construction worker, predominate, with little voice-over.

The Rabbit Is Me

Das Kaninchen bin ich (1965)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

Maria, a 19-year-old waitress, has an affair with a a much older man. When she learns that he is the judge who had sentenced her brother for subversive activities against the state, she confronts him, accusing him of opportunism and hypocrisy.

Triumph Over Violence

Obyknovennyy fashizm — Der gewöhnliche Faschismus (1965)

Director: Romm, Mikhail

This documentary uses archival footage to trace the rise and fall of fasciscm, using Nazi Germany as a case study.

Without a Passport in Strange Beds

Ohne Pass in fremden Betten (1965)

Director: Brebera, Vladimir

With a train layover of one hour in Berlin, the Czech Jelinek wants to go to the fair. But as he reaches the top of the Ferris wheel it stops spinning, and he misses the train where he left all his luggage and his passport.

400 cm³

400 cm³ (1966)

Director: Heynowski, Walter

Director Walter Heynowski's short documentary, filmed in Totalvision (CinemaScope), is a call for East Germans to donate blood for the (North) Vietnamese people. The film's title is a reference to how much blood a person was allowed to donate.

Berlin Today

Berlin heute (1966)

Director: Hadaschik, Joachim

East Berlin is presented as an international city with modern possibilities for work and family life. In addition to tourist attractions and daily life, the film depicts the military parade for Labor Day on May 1 as well as the SED 20th anniversary celebration.

Black Panthers

Schwarze Panther (1966)

Director: Mach, Josef

Seventeen-year-old Martina has a paralyzing fear of heights, which prevents her from fulfilling her father's wish that they perform a tightrope act together. As she is quite taken with the black panthers in the circus, as well as their trainer Dittrich, she decides to be an animal trainer instea

Hands Up or I'll Shoot

Hände hoch oder ich schieße (1966)

Director: Kasprzik, Hans-Joachim

Because he lives in a small town with the lowest crime rate in East Germany, Investigator Holms (played by comedian Rolf Herricht) is stuck looking for a stolen pet rabbit even as he dreams of cracking a big case. Caught between his fantasies and his dull reality, Holms begins to suspects he is h

Journey into the Nuptial Bed

Reise ins Ehebett (1966)

Director: Hasler, Joachim

A sailor on a large cargo ship is good at his job but is also a philanderer and a rogue. Numerous shore leaves create complicated situations with women until the higher-ups decide that the sailor needs to settle down with a wife.

Maiden, You Please Me

Jungfer, sie gefällt mir (1966)

Director: Reisch, Günter

A village in Saxony in the summer of 1792. The village judge, Adam, is always decreeing new rents and taxes. He particularly has it in for the smith Ruprecht, who is his competitor for the affections of the lovely maiden Ev.

Memento

Memento (1966)

Director: Mund, Karlheinz

The Jewish cemetary in Berlin-Weißensee is the second largest in Europe and reflects the long history of the Jewish community in Berlin, including their suffering under the Nazis.

Paul Dessau

Paul Dessau (1966)

A lively portrait of prominent (East) German composer and conductor Paul Dessau (1984-1979).

Puss in Boots

Der gestiefelte Kater (1966)

Director: Krauße-Anderson, Monika

When the old miller dies, he leaves the mill to his oldest son, the donkey to the second son, and a tomcat to the youngest son, Hans. The cat wants to repay his master for his kindness and comes up with a clever plan.

The Days Before Tomorrow

Die Tage vor morgen (1966)

Director: Scheunert, Gerhard

A documentary about the structure and content of vocational schools in the GDR. The film depicts various types of educational opportunities and the goals of each different job training program.

The Journey to Sundevit

Die Reise nach Sundevit (1966)

Director: Carow, Heiner

Little Tim Tammer, the son of a lighthouse keeper, lives right on the Baltic Sea beach, but his remote home often leaves him feeling lonely. When Young Pioneers pitch their tents nearby, he is overjoyed and quickly makes new friends.

The Little Prince

Der kleine Prinz (1966)

Director: Wolf, Konrad

A French military pilot must make an emergency landing in the middle of the desert. As he tries to repair his plane, he meets the Little Prince who tells him what he has experienced on his travels to other planets in order to understand the true meaning of life.

The Sons of Great Bear

Die Söhne der großen Bärin (1966)

Director: Mach, Josef

Although the Native Americans have been assured of their lands, adjacent to the Black Hills, by contract, the whites want to expel them.

Yesterday Girl

Abschied von Gestern (1966)

Director: Kluge, Alexander

Born in 1937 to Jewish parents, Anita G. leaves the GDR for West Germany in search of a better life. With no home or job, she is caught stealing and sent to prison.

Chingachgook, the Great Snake

Chingachgook, die Große Schlange (1967)

Director: Groschopp, Richard

French colonists and Hurons fight against English troops and their allies, the Delaware. Only Chingachgook, a young Delaware, and his fair-skinned friend Deerslayer realize that the colonizers intend to exterminate the Native Americans altogether.

Credo: Martin Luther — Wittenberg 1517

Credo: Martin Luther — Wittenberg 1517 (1967)

Director: Müller, Rudolf

This short film, made on the occasion of the 450th anniversary of the Reformation, presents the historical event in relation to the class struggle, in keeping with the East German view of history.

Darß

Der Darß (1967)

Director: Huisken, Joop

This documentary depicts all facets of life on the beautiful Baltic Sea peninsula of Darß. The film highlights local pride and attempts to preserve the region's unique marsh landscape and old professions and traditions, such as thatched roofs.

Frozen Lightening, Parts 1 and 2

Die gefrorenen Blitze (1967)

Director: Veiczi, János

Part 1: Target Peenemünde "” In 1939, antifascist scientist Dr. Kummerow alerts the British consulate to a top-secret Nazi missile program in Peenemünde.

Heroin

Heroin (1967)

Director: Brandt, Horst E.
Thiel, Heinz

The bodies of an overnight train conductor and a French business man are discovered lying alongside train tracks. Also found at the crime scene are tomato juice cans full of heroin. But what is the connection between these two men and the drugs?

Hot Summer

Heißer Sommer (1967)

Director: Hasler, Joachim

For summer vacation, two groups of high school students hitchhike to the Baltic Sea, where fun and trouble mix to create ties of friendship and love!

Lady Venus and Her Devil

Frau Venus und ihr Teufel (1967)

Director: Kirsten, Ralf

Hans Müller is visiting Wartburg Castle in Thuringia, accompanied by his loving female friend Maria. Hans doesn't understand much about loyalty, which constantly leads to problems between the two of them. During one of their fights, Lady Venus intervenes and sends the pair back to the Middle Ag

Malik

Malik (1967)

Director: Angella, Giovanni

Brothers Wieland Herzfelde and John Heartfield tell the story of their publishing house, Malik, which specialized in avant-garde art and leftist literature. All Malik titles were confiscated by the Nazis and included in the infamous 1933 book burning.

Most Respectfully Yours

Mit vorzüglicher Hochachtung (1967)

Director: Heynowski, Walter
Voigt, Peter

As the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra performs a Bach concert, the screen is slowly dominated by words and phrases: "dear countrymen," "protection and help," "Soviet occupation zone," "not return."

My Friend Sybille

Meine Freundin Sybille (1967)

Director: Luderer, Wolfgang

When Hurtig signs on as a tourist guide on a Black Sea cruise, he has his hands full taking care of the guests' requests and often gets into trouble with his boss. But his job is not the only thing that's complicated.

Pinocchio

Turlis Abenteuer (1967)

Director: Beck, Walter

The toymaker Kasimir had hardly finished carving the puppet Turli before he comes alive and starts causing unintentional mischief by skipping school and creating chaos at the puppet theater.

Seed Corn Should Not Be Ground

Saatfrüchte sollen nicht vermahlen werden (1967)

Director: Tetzlaff, Kurt

At 47, German sculptor and graphic artist Käthe Kollwitz (1867-1945) lost her beloved son Peter in WWI. She began to process her grief in drawings and sculptures, including the famous memorial The Grieving Parents, and became increasingly active in protesting social injustice.

Stories of That Night

Geschichten jener Nacht (1967)

Director: Carpentier, Karlheinz
Klein, Gerhard
Thein, Ulrich
Vogel, Frank

Four directors - four styles - four episodes, all relating the events of a single night which has entered the history books: August 12-13, 1961.

Stories of That Night: Materna

Geschichten jener Nacht: Materna (1967)

Director: Vogel, Frank

The mason Materna (Ulrich Thein) swore in 1945 that he would never take up a gun again, but the events of the uprising on June 17, 1953, changed his mind. On the night the Berlin Wall goes up, he is standing guard with his gun.

Stories of That Night: Phoenix

Geschichten jener Nacht: Phönix (1967)

Director: Carpentier, Karlheinz

As the Berlin Wall goes up, a brigade leader tries to leave a young comerade at home that night so he can celebrate his wedding. The young man's insistance on coming reminds his older colleague of a similar situation he experienced in 1933.

Stories of That Night: The Test

Geschichten jener Nacht: Die Prüfung (1967)

Director: Thein, Ulrich

Jutta Huth (Jenny Gröllmann) is shocked when her parents announce they want to flee to West Berlin "in order to finally live," as her mother puts it. But the eighteen-year-old sees her future in the East, where she hopes to attend university and has just fallen in love.

Stories of That Night: Two Wills

Geschichten jener Nacht: Der große und der kleine Willi (1967)

Director: Klein, Gerhard

Young Will (Jaecki Schwarz) tries to escape to West Berlin in a stolen brigade uniform, but Old Will (Erwin Geschonneck) prevents him.

The Adventures of Juan Quin Quin

Las aventuras de Juan Quin Quin (1967)

Director: Espinosa, Julio García

Farmer Juan Quin Quin survives in pre-revolutionary Cuba by his wits — as an altar boy, circus performer, bullfighter, coffee planter and revolutionary. The poor but shrewd farmer even plays the part of Jesus Christ with a traveling theater company.

The Girl on the Diving Board

Das Mädchen auf dem Brett (1967)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

Katharina Jens is accustomed to success as a competitive high diving champion. She steps in for her teammate Claudia during an international competition but fails to complete the difficult one-and-a-half somersault with a double twist, costing her team the victory.

The Lord of Alexanderplatz

Ein Lord am Alexanderplatz (1967)

Director: Reisch, Günter

Ewald Honig (Erwin Geschonneck) can't break his bad habit. Hardly has he crossed over into the GDR when the strapping, well-built man in his late fifties once again starts courting ladies with fraudulent intentions.

The Party Secretary

Der Sekretär (1967)

Director: Böttcher, Jürgen

This documentary follows Gerhard Grimmer, the party secretary at the Buna chemical plant, and relations between the plant's management and its employees, as he attempts to improve morale among the workers.

The Valiant Truant

Der tapfere Schulschwänzer (1967)

Director: Junge, Winfried

One sunny day, fourth grader Thomas is heading to school when he decides that the streets of Berlin are much more interesting than his classroom. When he notices a building on fire, he alerts the fire department and ends up saving two small children's lives.

Wedding Night in the Rain

Hochzeitsnacht im Regen (1967)

Director: Seemann, Horst

In this first musical from the DEFA Studios, Gabi, a young hairdresser from the Baltic coast, desperately wants to be East Germany's first female jockey.

A Day in Guinea

Ein Tag in Guinea (1968)

Director: Orgel, Horst
Schnabel, Rolf

This short documentary reports on the West African country of Guinea, which had gained independence from France a decade earlier and become a socialist state.

Anniversary of a City: 750 Years of Rostock

Jubiläum einer Stadt — 750 Jahre Rostock (1968)

Director: Junge, Winfried

Images of the city of Rostock and its 750th anniversary celebration are set to a musical suite by Günter Kochen.

Brecht Dialog 1968

DDR Magazin 1968/40: Brecht Dialog 1968 (1968)

Director: Mund, Karlheinz

For the 70th anniversary of Bertolt Brecht's birth, international Brecht experts, including directors Giorgio Strehler, Benno Besson and Juri Ljubimov, got together for a one-week Brecht Dialog at the Berliner Ensemble on Schiffbauerdamm.

Captain Florian of the Mill

Hauptmann Florian von der Mühle (1968)

Director: Wallroth, Werner W.

Florian the miller gives all of his money to the war against Napoleon.

Chronicle of Film 1968

Filmchronik 1968 (1968)

Director: Wolf, Konrad

This DVD compilation chronicles the year 1968 through film.

Course: 35° Northeast

Kurs Nordost 35° (1968)

Director: Sobiczewski, Heinz

A documentary about the ship "Wilhelm Pieck," which was used for training future sailors.

Farewell

Abschied (1968)

Director: Günther, Egon

In August 1914, many young German men euphorically volunteered to join the army. But in Munich, Hans Gastl, the son of a militaristic state prosecutor, makes a decision: he won't become a soldier or fight this war.

GDR Magazine 1968/39: Contemporary Relevance of the Arts

DDR-Magazin 1968/39 (1968)

Director: Hartung, Nina

In these four short segments, documentary footage of current events allows for commentary on the role of arts and artists in the GDR.

How to Marry a King

Wie heiratet man einen König (1968)

Director: Simon, Rainer

A farmer's daughter solves three riddles to free her unjustly imprisoned father from the king's dungeons. Her cleverness wins the king's heart, and he takes her as his wife.

I Was Nineteen

Ich war neunzehn (1968)

Director: Wolf, Konrad

Gregor is a young soldier entering Germany with the victorious Soviet troops at the end of WWII. But he is also the child of left-wing Germans who fled from Hitler and spent the war in the Soviet Union.

Moor and the Ravens of London

Mohr und die Raben von London (1968)

Director: Dziuba, Helmut

The year is 1856, and Karl Marx, nicknamed "Moor" by his friends, is living in exile in London. He meets Joe, a 13-year-old working class boy who works twelve hours a day at a spinning mill, including unlawful night shifts.

Not with Me, Madam!

Mit mir nicht, Madam! (1968)

Director: Oehme, Roland
Warneke, Lothar

East German journalist Thomas Ahrens travels to an international fashion festival at an exclusive Mediterranean seaside resort. But instead of covering the GDR delegation, Thomas ends up being plunged into a comedy of errors.

Owl's Hole

Käuzchenkuhle (1968)

Director: Beck, Walter

Jean-Paul Fontanon, a boy from Berlin who everyone calls "Jampoll," spends every summer in his grandparents' village. But this year, everything is different. Jampoll's grandfather appears upset and fearful of something, often disappearing into his room or writing things in a notebook.

Revolution of a Culture

Revolution einer Kultur (1968)

This documentary begins with the promotion of the arts and culture in the Soviet Occupied Zone of Germany in the years after WWII and the 1948 articulation of the goal of creating art to inspire the masses.

The Dead Stay Young

Die Toten bleiben jung (1968)

Director: Kunert, Joachim

A depiction of class conflicts in Germany between 1918 and 1945. The Spartacist Erwin is shot by officers in 1918, and his pregant working-class bride Marie begins a new relationship with social democrat Geschke.

The Falcon's Trail

Spur des Falken (1968)

Director: Kolditz, Gottfried

When gold is discovered in the Black Hills in the late 19th century, gold diggers and adventurers break the treaty that allocated the Hills to the Dakota Indians.

The Robot

Der Roboter (1968)

Director: Georgi, Klaus

Smart Max and his friend Tüte are excited about a robot who has many talents, including a gift for mathematics. They steal the robot from an exhibition and take him home so he can help with their homework.

The Seventh Year

Das siebente Jahr (1968)

Director: Vogel, Frank

Shortly before her seventh wedding anniversary, a heart surgeon doubts her ability to keep up with the double burden of career and home. Although the couple lives a comfortable life, they are searching for a different kind of happiness in their marriage.

The Trace of My Days on Earth

Die Spur von meinen Erdentagen (1968)

Director: Thiel, Lotti

The title of this documentary is drawn from the final monologue of Goethe's Faust, in which the protagonist looks back on his life's work, saying, "The trace of my days on earth cannot disappear for eons."

White Wolves

Weiße Wölfe (1968)

Director: Bošković, Boško
Petzold, Konrad

In the sequel to Spur des Falken, young chief Farsighted Falcon is on his way to the Black Hills with his wife Blue Hair. They hope to join the Cheyenne tribe in the safety of the mountains.

Yesterday and the New City

Gestern und die neue Stadt (1968)

Director: Bartsch, Wolfgang

In summer 1964, the East German government approved the concept to build a new city, Halle-Neustadt (aka Chemical Workers' City) in the center of East Germany's chemical industry in an effort to improve the workers' living conditions.

Fatal Error

Tödlicher Irrtum (1969)

Director: Petzold, Konrad

The Wyoming Oil Company struck it big on the land in the Indian reservation. The poor Indians, facing a limited existence, are filled with hope because of the potential wealth from their land.

Fine Toys — Made in USA

Feine Spielwaren — Made in USA (1969)

Director: Rätz, Günter

A short, puppet-animated film about the American toy company Aurora, founded by Paul W. Lindburg after WWII. This company specialized in kits for making model vintage and modern military aircraft and other vehicles, passenger planes and ships.

His Excellency, Comrade Prince

Seine Hoheit, Genosse Prinz (1969)

Director: Wallroth, Werner W.

Kasper Mai, an export merchant and comrade with a "clean" record, discovers he is the prince of Hohenlohe-Liebenstein. His royal grandmother designates him as the heir to her estate. A private trip to her reveals that she does not want a NATO airbase built on her land.

Long Roads — Secret Love

Weite Straßen — stille Liebe (1969)

Director: Zschoche, Herrmann

Long-haul driver Hannes (Manfred Krug) picks up a young hitchhiker, Herb (Jaecki Schwarz), who had a falling-out with his parents after dropping out of college and now travels around doing odd jobs.

Santa Willy

Der Weihnachtsmann heißt Willi (1969)

Director: Reschke, Ingrid

Five-year-old Peter and his older brother Hans drop the Christmas present for their parents in the middle of the road and it gets flattened by a car. Deeply distressed, they go to a Christmas fair and buy a lottery ticket with their remaining money.

Tension Zone

Im Spannungsfeld (1969)

Director: Kühn, Siegfried

Electronic data processing is an absolute must in the Information Age. Karl Hoppe, the director of a large plant, is aware of this need for modernization and hires mathematician Dr.

The Foggy Night

Nebelnacht (1969)

Director: Nitzschke, Helmut

When a motorcyclist dies in an accident, Lieutenant Kreutzer and his younger colleague Arnold receive the order to investigate what appears to be a murder case. Head physician Dr.

The President in Exile

Der Präsident im Exil (1969)

Director: Heynowski, Walter
Scheumann, Gerhard

This documentary profiles Dr. Walter Becher, who was a member of the West German parliament and spokesperson of the Sudeten German Homeland Association, an organization representing ethnic Germans displaced from Czechoslovakia.

Career

Karriere (1970)

Director: Carow, Heiner

Günter Walcher, 40-years-old, is a hardworking, apolitical West German businessman caught in a moral conflict. He is offered a promotion to become the head of a division"”on the condition that he find a reason to fire Zacharias, a communist and the work council chairman.

Dr. Sommer II

Dr. med. Sommer II (1970)

Director: Warneke, Lothar

The story of a young, idealistic doctor and his on-the-job training as a rookie surgeon. Dr. Heiner Sommer moves to a small town in the GDR where he will complete his training under the senior physician, also named Dr. Sommer.

GDR Magazine 1970/14: International Cereal and Bread Congress

DDR-Magazin 1970/14 (1970)

Two thousand researchers from 45 countries took part in the 5th International Cereal and Bread Congress in Dresden. Through local excursions, delegate were also introduced to the GDR's grain-growing industry and its modern technology and methods.

Guinea Today

Guinea heute (1970)

Director: Diakité, Moussa Kémoko
Jentsch, Gerhard

This East German-Guinean coproduction celebrates the social, political and economic developments that have taken place the West African country Guinea since its independence in 1958. The documentary"”seen through a Marxist lens"”gives an insight into everyday life and ritual traditions in Guinea.

Hirde Dyama

Hirde Dyama (1970)

Director: Diakité, Moussa Kémoko
Jentsch, Gerhard

The first Hirde Dyama National Festival of Culture of the Republic of Guinea was held in March 1970 in the country's capital city of Conakry.

KLK to PTX: The Red Orchestra

KLK an PTX: Die Rote Kapelle (1970)

Director: Brandt, Horst E.

This documentary tells the story of the Red Orchestra, one of the most important German anti-Nazi resistance groups. Named by German counterintelligence, the group was centered around Harro Schulze-Boysen and Arvid Harnack and included members from different social and religious backgrou

My Dear Robinson

Mein lieber Robinson (1970)

Director: Gräf, Roland

Nineteen-year-old Peter, who is always lost in his thoughts, is nicknamed "Robinson" because he seems to live on his own private island.

My Zero Hour

Meine Stunde Null (1970)

Director: Hasler, Joachim

In 1943 on the eastern front, the Berlin worker Kurt Hartung, now a private, survives a bombing even though his superior Steckbeck almost causes his death by ordering him to disarm an unexploded bomb. Shortly thereafter, he is captured by a Russian patrol while on a scouting mission.

No Time for a Coffee Break!

Bei der Feuerwehr wird der Kaffee kalt...! (1970)

Director: Schraps, Rudolf

Alarm! Alarm! The bell rings all the time: A storm knocked down the tower of the city hall, a fire is burning in the forest, and a parrot escaped from the circus. The firemen are so busy that they cannot find the time for a little coffee break.

Otto Nagel, 1894-1967

Otto Nagel, 1894-1967 (1970)

Director: Mund, Karlheinz

Otto Nagel (1894-1967)"”the painter from Wedding"”critically reflected on his times through his art. In his paintings, pastels and drawings, he depicted social misery, but also the class consciousness of the proletariat.

Our Time

Aus unserer Zeit (1970)

Director: Kunert, Joachim
Maetzig, Kurt
Nitzschke, Helmut
Simon, Rainer

A group film made by a team of authors and involving a large cast with, among others, Ekkehard Schall (Berlin - Schönhauser Corner) and Hans Hardt-Hardtloff, narration by Brecht's co-worker Margarete Steffin, and music by Peter Rabenalt.

Our Time: Ordinary People

Aus unserer Zeit: Gewöhnliche Leute (1970)

Director: Simon, Rainer

Adele and Hannes, who both work in construction, spend their honeymoon in Hannes' small hometown of Kossin. For them, it becomes a time of recovery and, in particular, of memory of years past. Scenes from everyday life depict their love for work, commitment, conflicts.

Our Time: The Computer Says No

Aus unserer Zeit: Der Computer sagt: Nein (1970)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

A Moscow expert, Sascha, and his counterpart from Berlin, Dieter, find common ground and work together to deliver a vital amplifier to Radio Havana in a short amount of time, even though computer calculations indicate that it will be impossible.

Our Time: The Duel

Aus unserer Zeit: Das Duell (1970)

Director: Kunert, Joachim

The communist Bötcher (Wolfgang Kieling) is charged with the implementation of school reform.

Our Time: The Two Sons

Aus unserer Zeit: Die zwei Söhne (1970)

Director: Nitzschke, Helmut

A farmer's wife in Brandenburg is having strange dreams in which a Soviet prisoner-of-war assumes the face of her son. When her son suddenly turns up, she then has to stop a crime he had been helping plan against Soviet prisoners, tying him up and giving him up to the advancing Soviet army so tha

She

Sie (1970)

Director: Nickel, Gitta

A young doctor who specializes in family planning speaks with five East German women working at the Treffmodelle textile plant in Berlin. Of all different ages, positions and social backgrounds, they discuss birth control, children's education and women's emancipation.

Signals: A Space Adventure

Signale — Ein Weltraumabenteuer (1970)

Director: Kolditz, Gottfried

In the mid-21st century, the research vessel Ikaros has disappeared in space. Commander Veikko of the spaceship Laika assembles a crew to search for the missing ship.

Sleeping Beauty

Dornröschen (1970)

Director: Beck, Walter

The King and Queen plan an opulent feast to celebrate the birth of their long-awaited child. They invite not only the members of the court, but also the fairies, so that they may bestow wealth and virtue on the Princess. But there are thirteen fairies and only twelve golden plates — so the king i

The Poor Miller's Boy and the Kitten

Der arme Müllerbursch und das Kätzchen (1970)

Director: Barke, Lothar
Barkowsky, Helmut

There once was a poor miller who had no children but only three apprentices to work for him. The two older boys were lazy, mean and stupid, but youngest was hard-working, friendly, and cheerful. When the miller grows too old to work, he send the boys out into the world.

The Wishing Table

Tischlein deck dich (1970)

Director: Schraps, Rudolf

A tailor drives his sons from the house because he mistakenly believes they have allowed his goats to go hungry on purpose. In the course of their travels, each brother is given a magical gift.

Time of the Storks

Zeit der Störche (1970)

Director: Kühn, Siegfried

Susanne and Wolfgang have a harmonious relationship. But when Susanne meets Christian, she is attracted to his restless energy, and they fall for each other. Although she decides to end the affair after spending an intense week together, the experience has left deep marks on both of them.

Words and Deeds

Worte und Taten (1970)

Director: Goldschmidt, Hans
Schnabel, Rolf

This documentary about Cambodia is based on archival footage.

100

100 (1971)

Director: Heynowski, Walter

Footage of a man doing push-ups is overlaid by images of Vietnamese faces, and a ticking metronome counts down from 100 while the words "dog - pig - monkey" are yelled repeatedly. The film illustrates the idea that American soldiers who used the term "Vietnamese" instead of referring to their opp

Albrecht Dürer, 1471-1528

Albrecht Dürer, 1471-1528 (1971)

Director: Jentsch, Gerhard

An homage to Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528), the famous painter and printmaker of the German Renaissance, whose release marked the artist's 500th birthday in 1971.

Declaration of Love to G.T.

Liebeserklärung an G.T. (1971)

Director: Seemann, Horst

Dr. Gisa Tonius, a physicist in her mid-thirties, is asked to take charge of a major interdisciplinary research project but worries that the new responsiblity will hamper her dream of having a child. Her friends and family offer conflicting advice.

Do You Know Urban?

Kennen Sie Urban? (1971)

Director: Reschke, Ingrid

After he gets out of jail, Hoffi is looking for a fresh start. He wants to find Urban, a role model of sorts that he met during a brief hospital stay. Along the way, Hoffi meets a young woman, Gila, who is willing to overlook his past.

GDR Magazine 1971/01: Warsaw Pact Meeting; Leipzig Film Festival; Mills for Syria

DDR-Magazin 1971/01 (1971)

Director: Hohmann, Sigrid

Three documentary segments illustrate the GDR's international partnerships in the fields of politics, art, and commerce.

GDR Magazine 1971/03: International Relationships with Western Countries

DDR-Magazin 1971/03 (1971)

Director: Hohmann, Sigrid

Three brief documentary segments report on both positive and strained political relationships between the GDR and several Western countries.

1. A committee on the political recognition of the GDR meets in Denmark.

GDR Magazine 1971/10: Racism in the USA and South Africa

DDR-Magazin 1971/10 (1971)

Director: Sobiczewski, Heinz

This documentary contrasts East German efforts to achieve international peace and solidarity with oppressed peoples with Western imperialism and racism, in particular the the struggle for Civil Rights in the USA and apartheid in South Africa.

GDR Magazine 1971/11: 25th Anniversary of DEFA

DDR-Magazin 1971/11 (1971)

Director: Sobiczewski, Heinz

Documentary footage celebrates the anniversary of the GDR's nationally owned cinematographic institutions with examples of their artistic and political significance.

Goya

Goya (1971)

Director: Wolf, Konrad

As a painter in the court of King Carlos IV of Spain, Goya (played by the great Lithuanian actor Donatas Banionis) has attained wealth and reputation. He believes in king and church, but he is also a Spaniard who dearly loves his people — a contradiction that presents a deep dilemma.

I'll Show You

Euch werde ich's zeigen (1971)

Director: Losansky, Rolf

When 13-year-old Bernd moves from Rostock to the little town of Fichtenhainigen, he lands in the difficult position of being the new kid at school.

In Spite of Everything!

Trotz alledem! (1971)

Director: Reisch, Günter

October 1918: Liebknecht is released from prison and Berlin workers celebrate his release. Although WWI is almost over, the German Kaiserreich in vain sends its last reserves to the slaughter.

Jana and the Little Star

Jana und der kleine Stern (1971)

Director: Wiemer, Christl

Before going to bed, Jana plays a lullaby on her violin for the little star. In the girl's imagination, the star dances happily and falls from the sky. The star has to be back in its place before sunrise otherwise it will become blind. Jana is not able to help with the star's return.

Leo Haas: Artist and Witness of His Times

Zeichner — Zeuge — Zeitgenosse (1971)

Director: d'Bomba, Jörg

When the Nazis took power, the Jewish artist Leo Haas (1901-1983) was arrested in his Czechoslovakian hometown. He spent the next six years in different concentration camps and became known for the paintings he did in the Theresienstadt camp.

Osceola

Osceola (1971)

Director: Petzold, Konrad

Florida, 1830. Of all eastern Indigenous nations, only the Seminoles have resisted being moved to reservations.

Sketches from the GDR

Skizzen aus der DDR (1971)

Director: Hadaschik, Joachim
Schnabel, Rolf

Visits to three towns in the GDR (Torgau, Görzig and Guben) provide the opportunity to discuss their economic, social, cultural and industrial development in recent decades. These representative examples demonstrate the positive changes which have taken place since 1945.

Song International

Song International (1971)

Director: Böttcher, Jürgen

Part of an international leftwing movement focusing on songs of political struggle, the Festival of Political Song took place in East Berlin every year from 1970 to 1990.

Start

Start (1971)

Director: Thorndike, Andrew
Thorndike, Annelie

This documentary reports on the VII District Children's and Youth Spartakiad Games in Quedlinburg and informs the viewer about sports education in the GDR from early childhood on. The footage is allowed to speak for itself without narratorial commentary.

The Man Who Replaced Grandma

Der Mann, der nach der Oma kam (1971)

Director: Oehme, Roland

Günter and Gudrun Piesold are very busy with their careers as a TV comedian and an actress, so Grandma takes care of household chores and childcare. But when Grandma remarries, the Piesolds are faced with chaos at home and a burning question: Who will take care of the household?

The Stolen Battle

Die gestohlene Schlacht (1971)

Director: Stranka, Erwin

During the Seven Years' War, Friedrich II of Prussia (Herwart Grosse) lays siege to the city of Prague without being able to capture it.

The Winged Serpent: Lucas Cranach the Elder

Die geflügelte Schlange (1971)

Director: Barke, Lothar

This short documentary portrays the life and work of the important Renaissance painter Lucas Cranach the Elder (1472-1553). It features a rich spectrum of his works in (former East) German collections, including the Old Masters Gallery in Dresden.

We Shall Overcome

We shall overcome (1971)

Director: Goldschmidt, Hans

The UN declared 1971 the Year for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination. On this occasion, Ralph Davis Abernathy, president of the Southern Christian Leadership conference, accepted an official invitation to visit East Germany (GDR).

Don't Cheat, Darling!

Nicht schummeln, Liebling! (1972)

Director: Hasler, Joachim

The mayor of Sonnethal wants to gain attention for both himself and his small town by fostering a leading soccer team and a thriving sports culture.

Eolomea

Eolomea (1972)

Director: Zschoche, Herrmann

Eight space cargo-ships disappear without a trace within three days and there is suddenly no contact with the orbiting space station, Margot. The space council orders a total flight stop. But one space ship secretly takes off to go to the space station.

For Angela

Für Angela (1972)

Director: Kohlert, Werner

American political activist and philosopher Angela Davis visited East Germany in September 1972. This propaganda film aimed to commend East Germans for their solidarity and support in Davis's high-profile release from prison.

GDR Magazine 1972/02: 25 Years of German-Soviet Friendship

DDR-Magazin 1972/02 (1972)

Director: Plickat, Kurt

This film explains the historic basis for the friendship between East Germany and the Soviet Union, with examples of how these close ties shape various domains of life, including culture, economy, research, architecture, and education.

GDR Magazine 1972/05: European Security

DDR-Magazin 1972/05 (1972)

Director: Schnabel, Rolf

Examples of East German involvement in international political bodies are shown in three brief documentary segments.

GDR Magazine 1972/09: Youth and Education

DDR-Magazin 1972/09 (1972)

Director: Winter, Horst

Three short documentaries report on various aspects of the educational system, including youth media, daycare, and schools.

GDR Magazine 1972/22: Model City Eisenhüttenstadt; Construction in Berlin

DDR-Magazin 1972/22 (1972)

Director: Kleberg, Johanna

Two short documentaries report on measures to improve living conditions in Eisenhüttenstadt and Berlin.

Her Third

Der Dritte (1972)

Director: Günther, Egon

Margit Fliesser is a mathematician in her mid-30s who works in a medium-sized company; she has two children and has been divorced twice. Her colleagues like her and respect her professional skills, but she is somewhat shy and inhibited.

If Everybody Danced How They Wanted to!

Wenn jeder tanzen würde, wie er wollte, na! (1972)

Director: Junge, Winfried

This short documentary contrasts the formal exercises of teenagers' ballroom dance lessons under the direction of teacher Karl Glöckner with the hot disco beats that reign in the dance clubs.

Janus Face

Januskopf (1972)

Director: Maetzig, Kurt

World-famous geneticist Professor Hülsenbeck (Norbert Christian) is a man of integrity who refuses to mix science and political gain. Because his findings are being used to harm humanity, he imigrates to the United States in 1933 in protest against Nazi racial politics.

Laundresses

Wäscherinnen (1972)

Director: Böttcher, Jürgen

This film documents the lives of 180 women who work as trainees at the Rewatex laundry plant in Berlin-Spindlersfeld. In interviews, the colorful and spirited, young women discuss their feelings about men, the life of a worker, and rock n' roll.

Love 2002

Liebe 2002 (1972)

Director: Hellwig, Joachim

The futuristically trendy moderator Chris Wallasch leads the viewer through this program exploring what love might look like in 2002. Passengers at the Berlin-Schönefeld airport are questioned about how they imagine life in thirty years.

Lützower

Lützower (1972)

Director: Wallroth, Werner W.

During the Napoleanic Wars, members of the Prussian Lützow Free Corps steal a French war chest from the house of collaborator Kerstinn, but their captain Friesen is captured and sentenced to death. But Friesen is saved by French Sergeant Fleuron and they flee the occupied city together.

Murder Case Zernik

Leichensache Zernik (1972)

Director: Nitzschke, Helmut

In 1948, Horst Kramm (Alexander Lang) joins the criminal police force in Berlin and receives his first assigment: arresting a prostitute for theft. While on the case, the unconventional detective quickly sniffs out a more serious crime.

Remington .12 Cal

Remington Cal.12 (1972)

Director: Heynowski, Walter
Scheumann, Gerhard

This film comments on the US military practice of testing Remington .12 caliber bullets in Vietnam.

Six Go Around the World

Sechse kommen durch die Welt (1972)

Director: Simon, Rainer

In spite of their long service to the king, the soldiers of Malabant receive hardly any wages upon their discharge. When one soldier protests this unfair treatment and predicts that the king will one day lose all his wealth, he is thrown into the dungeon.

Tecumseh

Tecumseh (1972)

Director: Kratzert, Hans

This historical panorama presents the tragedy of Tecumseh, one of the most significant characters in Indian history. The film depicts the years 1806 - 1813 and his struggles to united the fragmented Indian peoples.

The Keys

Die Schlüssel (1972)

Director: Günther, Egon

Ric (Jutta Hoffmann), a working-class girl and Klaus (Jaecki Schwarz), a college student, spend their vacation together in Krakow, Poland. On the way there, a friendly Pole gives the young couple the key to his flat.

The Legend of Paul and Paula

Die Legende von Paul und Paula (1972)

Director: Carow, Heiner

Paul is unhappily married to a beautiful but ignorant woman who cheats on him. Paula, who has two children from different fathers, is in a relationship of convenience with a tire salesman. When Paula and Paul meet in a bar, they fall in love.

Uschi Brüning - GDR Magazine (1972/25 - #1)

DDR-Magazin 1972/25 (1972)

Director: Belz, Uwe

Famous GDR jazz singer Uschi Brüning works on her first record at the Amigo Studio; she is working on the song "Manchmal" ("Sometimes"), for which Günther Fischer wrote the music.

Vacation and the Old House

Ferien und das alte Haus (1972)

Director: Bartsch, Wolfgang

Gisi, Manne, Bert and the other students from class 6b did not expect that their summer vacation would be so thrilling. It all started when they were invited to ride in a new electro-locomotive. Because they want to thank Mr.

Apaches

Apachen (1973)

Director: Kolditz, Gottfried

Based on original documents from the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), this film tells the story of the young warrior Ulzana, who is out to avenge the extermination of his tribe.

Damn It, I'm Grown Up

...verdammt, ich bin erwachsen... (1973)

Director: Losansky, Rolf

Fifteen-year-old Klaus "Kurbel" Kambo already thinks of himself as an adult: he is big, strong, can hold a lot of rhubarb wine and has already kissed a girl.

Elective Affinities

Die Wahlverwandtschaften (1973)

Director: Kühn, Siegfried

During the Napoleonic Wars, Baron Eduard and his wife Charlotte live an reclusive and idyllic life together in an old castle. Driven to boredom by isolation, Eduard invites his friend Captain Otto to come stay, and Charlotte decides to bring her niece Ottilie back from boarding school.

Excerpts from the Life of a Good-For-Nothing

Aus dem Leben eines Taugenichts (1973)

Director: Bleiweiß, Celino

A miller sends his son, whom he calls "Good-For-Nothing," out into the world to look for work. His pockets are empty, but he has a vivid imagination, a head full of songs, and a violin under his arm.

GDR Magazine 1973/08: Cottbus District; Dornburg Castles; Art Collective in Neubrandenburg

DDR-Magazin 1973/08 (1973)

Director: Kleberg, Johanna
Machalz, Alfons
Weschke, Günter

Three short portraits of various regions in East Germany provide glimpses into daily life.

1. The Cottbus district has developed into an industrial region since 1945, providing good housing and employment opportunities for residents.

GDR Magazine 1973/09: Residential Building and Everyday Life

DDR-Magazin 1973/09 (1973)

Director: Flügge-Demitter, Ursula
Sobiczewski, Heinz
Weschke, Günter

Three individual documentary segments focus on efforts to improve everyday living conditions for GDR citizens through construction of housing and public buildings.

GDR Magazine 1973/13: World Congress of Peace Forces in Moscow

DDR-Magazin 1973/13 (1973)

Director: Hadaschik, Joachim

In 1973, some 3200 delegates from 143 countries met in Moscow to discuss an issue of critical international importance for all mankind: the need for just and stable world peace.

How Do You Feed a Donkey?

Wie füttert man einen Esel (1973)

Director: Oehme, Roland

Due to his profession, long-distance truck driver Fred (Manfred Krug) gets to see a lot of the world and enjoy the company of numerous girlfriends in the stopovers on his routes.

Living with Uwe

Leben mit Uwe (1973)

Director: Warneke, Lothar

This is the story of a marriage which threatens to collapse despite the couple's love for each other. Uwe Polzin, who is earning his doctorate in biology, and his wife Alla, who works as an interpreter, are both striving equally hard for the unlimited fulfillment of their ambitions.

Peter and the Wolf

Peter und der Wolf (1973)

Director: Rätz, Günter

This puppet animation film is based on Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. A 1936 symphonic fairy tale for children, the piece tells the story of Peter and a little bird who outwit and catch the dangerous wolf and take him to a zoo.

See You Soon in Berlin

Auf bald in Berlin (1973)

This documentary, filmed mostly in Berlin, serves as preparation for the 10th World Festival of Youth and Students, which was held in East Berlin in 1973. Portraits of a student, an athlete, and a workers' collective present a collective image of life for twenty-year-old East Germans.

Susanne and the Magic Ring

Susanne und der Zauberring (1973)

Director: Stranka, Erwin

Twelve year-old Susanne has only one friend, the old lock keeper. When she tells him about her problems with classmates who continually tease her, he gives her a ring with magic powers. Sometimes the ring will help, sometimes not.

The Desert King of Brandenburg

Der Wüstenkönig von Brandenburg (1973)

Director: Kratzert, Hans

A few days after the end of World War II, the eleven-year-old orphan Julius is on the run from the destroyed city of Berlin. Julius and formerly imprisoned communist Kaiser (Hilmar Baumann) both stumble on a horse in a forest and report it to the Soviet commander in a nearby town.

The Naked Man on the Sports Field

Der nackte Mann auf dem Sportplatz (1973)

Director: Wolf, Konrad

Kemmel is almost 40. Although little throws the good-natured sculptor off, he is torn... between wanting to address his generation's memories of the Holocaust, and disappointment that many people don't understand his works"”despite official programs to bring art to the public.

The Second Life of Friedrich Wilhelm Georg Platow

Das zweite Leben des Friedrich Wilhelm Georg Platow (1973)

Director: Kühn, Siegfried

Refusing to accept that he has become redundant when his job is automated, Platow, a 57-year-old railway crossing guard, embarks on a new life rebelling against the path laid out by society. Pretending to be his son, he enrolls in a training course and starts to live a second youth.

Too Young for Love?

Für die Liebe noch zu mager? (1973)

Director: Stephan, Bernhard

At the textile company, everyone appreciates the work of 18-year-old Susanne (Simone von Zglinicki), but nobody really considers her a woman"”including Lutz, with whom she is in love.

Ulzana

Ulzana (1973)

Director: Kolditz, Gottfried

Under the guidance of their captain Ulzana, the Mimembros built an irrigation system and made their patch of desert fertile. Now they can live independently of the businessmen in Tucson.

Under the Pear Tree

Unterm Birnbaum (1973)

Director: Kirsten, Ralf

A dreadful secret binds innkeepers Abel and Ursula Hradscheck together. When Szulski, a debt collector from Krakow, arrives one day, unusual events begin to happen.

Wolz — Life and Illusion of a German Anarchist

Wolz — Leben und Verklärung eines deutschen Anarchisten (1973)

Director: Reisch, Günter

Soldier Ignaz Wolz returns from WWI with an immeasurable hatred of capitalist war profiteers. He decides to start his own revolution, but tries to stay away from the organized class struggle. He steals from the rich men and divides the wealth among the poor.

A Lover's Romance

Romans o vlyublyonnykh — Romanze für Verliebte (1974)

Director: Michalkow-Kontschalowski, Andrej

The young lovers Sergej and Tanja lead a happy life until Sergej is called up for military service. Tanja struggles to endure their separation, but things take a dramatic turn for the worse when Sergej is mistakenly believed to be dead after taking part in an emergency rescue mission.

And Everyone Had a Name

...und jeder hatte einen Namen (1974)

Director: Jentsch, Gerhard

This documentary about the Buchenwald concentration camp features interviews with survivors who describe their memories and experiences.

Apartheid, No!

Apartheid, No! (1974)

Director: Weschke, Günter

A report on the meeting of the United Nations Special Committee against Apartheid that took place in East Berlin from March 24 — 29, 1974. Conference discussions make apparent that many states, especially socialist countries, show their solidarity and support in eliminating racism and apartheid.

Drum Beat

Paukenschlag (1974)

Director: Sacher, Otto

Traffic grinds to a halt, cows carry deliveries, and enormous swarms of drummers rally: all for one brief "bang."

This short film is available for purchase or streaming as part of the collection Animation Before Unification: 16 Shorts from East Germany.

Fellow Citizens

Mitbürger (1974)

Director: Heynowski, Walter
Scheumann, Gerhard

This short documentary consists of the complete, unedited audio of Chilean President Salvador Allende's final radio speech to the Chilean people from his presidential palace La Moneda on September 11, 1973, the day when his government was overthrown by a military coup.

GDR Magazine 1974/04: Museums in Berlin

DDR-Magazin 1974/04 (1974)

Director: Müller, Hans

This documentary report provides detailed information on some of the 16 musuems in the East German capital of Berlin and important items in their collections.

GDR Magazine 1974/08: Cultural Politics of the GDR

DDR-Magazin 1974/08 (1974)

Director: Kleberg, Johanna
Müller, Hans

Examples of volunteer projects in Dresden and Dachwig illustrate how ordinary citizens can get involved in promoting positive change in their communities.

GDR Magazine 1974/11: Socialist Educational Policy

DDR-Magazin 1974/11 (1974)

Director: Machalz, Alfons
Plickat, Kurt
Sobiczewski, Heinz

Three short reports show young people training for their future professional careers.

1. Job Training: young adults are guaranteed an apprenticeship through vocational training programs like the one at the Zschopau motorcycle factory.

GDR Magazine 1974/12: XVIII Berlin Festival 1974

DDR-Magazin 1974/12 (1974)

Director: Müller, Hans
Winter, Horst

Every year the Berlin Festival allows artists and cultural ensembles of international repute to introduce musical and dramatic works from around the world. The film illustrates the GDR people's great love of and need for the arts and reports on the close contacts that exist between audiences and

Gladys Marín — Chile

Gladys Marín — Chile (1974)

Director: Winter, Horst

Gladys Marin (1941-2005), a member of the Chilean Communist Party and an anti-Pinochet activist, visited the GDR and other socialist countries after leaving Chile in 1974.

Hans Roeckle and the Devil

Hans Röckle und der Teufel (1974)

Director: Kratzert, Hans

Puppeteer and mechanic Hans Röckle makes a bargain with the devil, who gives Röckle magical powers that let him create the most wonderful objects: a needle that sews by itself, a flute that brings the wind and rain, and a telescope that lets one to see into the future.

I Was, I Am, I Shall Be

Ich war, ich bin, ich werde sein (1974)

Director: Heynowski, Walter
Scheumann, Gerhard

In spring 1974, a Studio H&S camera team manages to film in Chile. With a permit from the Junta's Chancellery, they enter two large prison camps in the northern provinces of Chacabuco and Pisagua and interview inmates.

Jacob the Liar

Jakob der Lügner (1974)

Director: Beyer, Frank

In a Jewish ghetto in German-occupied Poland in 1944, Jacob Heym is summoned to the police station.

Kit & Co.

Kit & Co. (1974)

Director: Petzold, Konrad

At the end of the 19th century, the journalist Kit Bellow starts on a trip to Alaska to make his fortune in the gold rush. Having just arrived, he meets the attractive and self-confident gold digger Joy, who ridicules the wannabe adventurer as a greenhorn.

Leipzig

Leipzig (1974)

Director: Müller, Heinz

This documentary uses contemporary footage and historical drawings to describe numerous aspects of life in Leipzig. Topics covered included the city's history; famous residents; the lion as heraldic symbol; and local landmarks such as the farmer's market, train station, and harbor.

Love at 16

Liebe mit 16 (1974)

Director: Zschoche, Herrmann

Although at first Ina barely takes any notice of Matti, the two teenagers gradually fall in love at their dance classes and begin their first real relationship. Their parents are upset about this development and try to prevent their children from seeing each other.

Min Herzing: Essay About a Fisherwoman

Essay über ein Fischweib oder Min Herzing (1974)

Director: Belz, Uwe

The whole town knows the fisherwoman at the Warnemünde fish market. She is passionate about her job and refers to everyone with the term of endearment "Min Herzing." She was only 15 when she began catching fish with her father and 20 when she began carrying huge baskets of fish to market.

Orpheus in the Underworld

Orpheus in der Unterwelt (1974)

Director: Bonnet, Horst

This musical comedy based on an opera by Jaques Offenbach incorporates a twist on the classic Greek myth: Orpheus, a music teacher at a girls' school in the ancient Greek city of Thebes, actually does not miss his wife Eurydice that much — until the gods and Offenbach himself pressure him to retr

Psalm 18

Psalm 18 (1974)

Director: Heynowski, Walter
Scheumann, Gerhard

The Chilean Junta orders a Catholic mass in praise of its own accomplishments at the Igesia de la Gratitud Nacional on September 18, 1973. The Cardinal, forced to utter benedictions, resorts to words for all those who suffer and prays that they may be freed and consoled.

Slatan Dudow: A Film Essay About a Marxist Artist

Slatan Dudow — Ein Filmessay über einen marxistischen Künstler (1974)

Director: Koepp, Volker

One of the first works by acclaimed (East) German documentary director Volker Koepp, this portrait of filmmaker Slatan Dudow (1903-1963) follows his life and work in exile, painting a detailed picture of the Marxist artist.

The War of the Mummies

Der Krieg der Mumien (1974)

Director: Heynowski, Walter
Scheumann, Gerhard

Chile, September 11, 1973: Army Commander-in-Chief Augusto Pinochet overthrows the Unidad Popular government. President Salvador Allende dies under murky circumstances after the military storms his presidential palace, La Moneda.

Their Own Factory

In eigener Sache — Reportage über die Arbeiter in einem volkseigenen Betrieb (1974)

Director: Plickat, Kurt

This documentary about the nationally-owned IFA Automobil Factory in Ludwigsfelde depicts workers' rights and responsibilities as they participate in decision-making processes at the company.

Commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella

Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel (1974)

Director: Vorlíček, Václav

After her father's death, Cinderella's stepmother forces her to work as a maid at the family's manor, but all the servents and animals are fond of her because of her kind heart.

Till Eulenspiegel

Till Eulenspiegel (1974)

Director: Simon, Rainer

On the eve of the Peasants' Revolt, Till Eulenspiegel"”the legendary fool and provocateur of old folktales"”goes tearing through the countryside laying bare society's grievances.

Welcome, Comrades!

Bienvenidos, Compañeros! Willkommen, Genossen! (1974)

Director: Hadaschik, Joachim

A delegation of leading figures from the GDR government, heading by General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party Erich Honecker, visited Cuba in February 1974. The politicians were hosted by Fidel Castro and given a tour through the country.

Whoever Loves the Earth

Wer die Erde liebt (1974)

Director: Belz, Uwe
Böttcher, Jürgen 
Hellwig, Joachim
Hornig, Harry

This documentary about the 10th World Festival of Youth and Students contains no form of commentary and comes alive only through the original audio of the students in discussion, the musical contributions, and the speeches and presentations.

A Cloud in Love

Die verliebte Wolke (1975)

Director: Wiemer, Christl

In the country of Fluteland, Aische is threatened by Black Seifi, who wants to take possession of her beautiful garden. A cloud who is in love with the girl makes the ultimate sacrifice to protect her, but like love itself, the cloud proves to be immortal.

A Report for World History — USA 200

Eine Reportage für die Weltgeschichte — USA 200 (1975)

Director: Forch, Juan

In this cut-out animated short, a representative of the United States government travels around the world to give speeches on four continents in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independance.

Animation Before Unification: 16 Shorts from East Germany

DEFA Animation Nr. 1 / Ohne Worte (1975)

Director: Georgi, Klaus
Hamacher, Sieglinde
Mißbach, Peter
Moser, Hans
Rasche, Marion
Rosié, Thomas
Sacher, Otto
Stützner, Lutz

By the time the DEFA Studio for Animation Film closed in 1992, it had produced more than 800 shorts in a wide variety of styles and techniques.

Banquet for Achilles

Bankett für Achilles (1975)

Director: Gräf, Roland

Karl Achilles has worked at the Bitterfeld chemical combine for 30 years. Having helped build the plant since the end of WWII, he will now retire at the age of 65. Achilles intends to spend more time with his family and to cultivate his garden.

Blood Brothers

Blutsbrüder (1975)

Director: Wallroth, Werner W.

Harmonika, an American deserter, is captured by a tribe of Indians, who believe he has murdered the wife and child of their chief Grey Elk. It is the chief himself who sets the American free, and Harmonika stays with the tribe and gradually wins their friendship.

Bring the Villains to Justice

...die bösewichter müssen dran (1975)

It is 1524. For many years, the count has shamelessly oppressed and exploited the serfs in Grünthal. They have had enough!

Censored: Kuhle Wampe

Ein Feigenblatt für Kuhle Wampe (1975)

Director: Hecht, Werner
Mühl, Christa

A detailed reconstruction of the censorship case against the landmark Weimar-era communist film, Kuhle Wampe, or Who Owns the World? (1932).

Chile

Chile (1975)

Director: Herrmann, Jörg
Juan Forch

This short animation collage uncovers the financial backing of the Chilean Junta bosses by the US. Screened at the 1976 Oberhausen Int. Film Festival.

The film is also available with Spanish subtitles.

Disco Film 5: In the Heart of US Military Espionage

Disco 5: Im Zentrum der US-Militärspionage (1975)

Director: Hellwig, Joachim

This documentary is a portrait of the East German spy Horst Hesse, who inflitrated the American Military Intelligence Division in the 1950s. Horst Hesse was a hero in the GDR for saving his country. His story served as the basis for the spy film For Eyes Only.

El Golpe Blanco - The White Coup

El Golpe Blanco. Der weisse Putsch (1975)

Director: Heynowski, Walter
Scheumann, Gerhard

Parliamentary Elections in Chile on March 4, 1973: Reactionary forces, financially backed by the American CIA and international cooperations, attempt to gain a two-thirds majority in the National Congress, which would allow them to impeach President Salvador Allende, who was democratically electe

Even Today He'd Speak His Mind

Er könnte ja heute nicht schweigen (1975)

Director: Koepp, Volker

In this film about Erich Weinert (1890-1953), the German political poet, agitator, and satirist, His wife and friends share stories about his life: his commitment to the struggle of the international proletariat; his exile in Switzerland, France, and the Soviet Union; and his fight in the Interna

Flowers for the Man in the Moon

Blumen für den Mann im Mond (1975)

Director: Losansky, Rolf

While looking through a telescope, young Pioneer Adam Ledermann hears a voice from the moon, which asks him to cultivate flowers that could grow there. He begins a series of experiments, but growing a moon flower proves to be more difficult than he thought.

For the Happiness of Women and the Family

Für das Glück der Frauen und der Familie (1975)

Director: Müller, Heinz
Nippert, Erwin

The process of women's liberation goes hand in hand with the building of the socialist state in the GDR. Wool spinners and collective farmers, city planners and architects, graphic artists and congressional delegates all discuss their lives as women in contemporary socialist society and comment o

GDR Magazine 1975/03: Children's TV; Children's Books; Young Internationalists

DDR-Magazine 1975/03 (1975)

Director: Flügge-Demitter, Ursula
Hadaschik, Joachim

Three short documentaries show how television shows, books and summer camps contribute to children's development outside of school.

GDR Magazine 1975/05: Development of Leisure and Recreational Sports in the GDR

DDR-Magazin 1975/05 (1975)

Director: Sobiczewski, Heinz

Even the youngest citizens are encouraged to take part regularly in recreational and competitive sports. Every two years, after making it past the qualification rounds in their home districts and counties, young people come together at the Children and Youth Spartakiad Games.

GDR Magazine 1975/07: Vocational Training

DDR-Magazin 1975/07 (1975)

Director: Flügge-Demitter, Ursula
Kleberg, Johanna

The education system in the GDR offers young people a chance to study a variety of careers, as shown in four brief documentary segments.

GDR Magazine 1975/11: 225th Anniversary of Bach's Death

DDR-Magazin 1975/11 (1975)

Director: Plickat, Kurt

This documentary on Johann Sebastian Bach was made to commemorate the 225th anniversary of his death.

GDR Magazine 1975/12: Wilhelm Pieck, the Workers' President

DDR-Magazin 1975/12 (1975)

Director: Kleberg, Johanna
Nippert, Erwin

This episode of the GDR Magazine series was made in honor of the 100th birthday of Wilhelm Pieck, the GDR's first president.

Hitlerpinochet

Hitlerpinochet (1975)

Director: Herrmann, Jörg
Juan Forch

This animated short exposes the Pinochet government through comparisons to Hitler's Nazi regime using cut-out silhouettes.

Icarus

Ikarus (1975)

Director: Carow, Heiner

Mathias is eight and lives with his divorced mother in East Berlin. One day, he pays his father a surprise visit. When he opens the door, his father is confused"”and Mathias notices that a strange woman is there.

Lotte in Weimar

Lotte in Weimar (1975)

Director: Günther, Egon

Charlotte Kestner (played by Lilli Palmer) was the love of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's youth, who became famous as Lotte in his renowned epistolary novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, published in 1774. After four decades, in late summer 1816, Charlotte travels to Weimar to see Goethe

Meier's Estate

Meiers Nachlaß (1975)

Director: Heynowski, Walter
Scheumann, Gerhard

In 1974, an auction takes place in Munich: items labelled "former property of Hermann Göring" are sold to benefit the post-war state.

Money Troubles

Geldsorgen (1975)

Director: Heynowski, Walter
Scheumann, Gerhard

During the Junta period in Pinochet's Chile, banknotes are used as resistance leaflets. Between 1973 and 1975, General Cano, President of the Central Bank, fights against inflation and the defaced banknotes. As a result, he must withdraw banknotes and have new ones printed.

Past and Present

Damals und heute (1975)

Director: Hadaschik, Joachim

This film was produced to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Soviet army's defeat of Nazi fascism. This victory ultimately allowed for democratic antifascist transformation and socialist revolution in East Germany.

So Many Songs, So Many Words

Soviel Lieder, soviel Worte (1975)

Director: Kun, Julius

This film musical is a romantic comedy of mistaken identities set at the 10th World Festival in Berlin. Alexej from Moscow meets and is attracted to Mascha, right before he leaves for Berlin. Mascha also travels to Berlin to perform with her cultural ensemble.

The Fisherman and His Wife

Die Geschichte vom Fischer und seiner Frau (1975)

Director: Krauße, Werner

The fisherman feels bad for the golden, speaking fish that he caught and releases him. The fish offers a free wish to the good-hearted man. The man asks for a boat, but his wife is not happy with it and asks for a house. Driven by the wife's greed, the fisher asks for more and more.

The Moon

Der Mond (1975)

Director: Dammbeck, Lutz

The moon watches as strange animals dance in its light and swirls in an attempt to join in the festivities. Suddenly, the moon falls from the sky, and a greedy dragon drags it to his cave to hoard its light while he feasts.

The Moral of Bandits

Die Moral der Banditen (1975)

Director: Stranka, Erwin

Only two years after WWII, the small village of Bötzow in Brandenburg is struggling to rebuild and the vacuum of social order has allowed a gang of youth to impose their own reign of terror over the town.

The Poor Shall Become an Enemy of the Rich

Dass ihnen der arme Mann Feind werde (1975)

The title of this short film is quoted from Thomas Müntzer's 1524 speech A Highly-Provoked Vindication. The documentary traces the most important events of the German Peasants' War of 1524-25 and the leading role of reformer Thomas Müntzer.

Theater Work: The Berliner Ensemble at 25

Theaterarbeit (1975)

Director: Voigt, Peter

From May to October 1974, Peter Voigt filmed at the Berliner Ensemble (BE) during the 25th anniversary of the theater's founding. Voigt, a member of the BE himself in the 1950s, interviewed theater technicians who had been part of the world-famous ensemble for decades.

Wittstock Girls

Mädchen in Wittstock (1975)

Director: Koepp, Volker

This is the first of a masterly chronicle of seven documentaries made over a twenty-three year period. Koepp not only investigates how young women in an agricultural region become workers at a knitting factory, but also how industry changes their lives and thoughts.

A Weimar Film

Ein Weimarfilm (1976)

Director: Böttcher, Jürgen

This documentary goes beyond simply presenting facts about the thousand-year-old city and its famous names: Goethe, Schiller, Herder, Cranach, Bauhaus, Buchenwald. Böttcher captures the transient beauty of the city and its culture through associative images of winter landscapes, parks in bloom, d

Back in Wittstock

Wieder in Wittstock (1976)

Director: Geier, Wolfgang
Koepp, Volker

The second installment in the Wittstock series follows Wittstock Girls and its protagonists, three young women who work together at a textile plant.

Beauty and the Beast

Die Schöne und das Tier (1976)

Director: Georgi, Katja

A man is left alone with his young daughter, Belle, after his wife dies in childbirth. One day, after many years, the man finds himself caught in the middle of a storm. He is thrown from his horse and wakes to find himself in a castle.

Beethoven — Days in a Life

Beethoven — Tage aus einem Leben (1976)

Director: Seemann, Horst

Vienna, 1813-1819: Beethoven (played by Donatas Banionis) is at the peak of his fame. Orchestras all over the world play his music, but he lives modestly and is dependent upon private patrons.

Carnations in Aspic

Nelken in Aspik (1976)

Director: Reisch, Günter

Wolfgang Schmidt is a loquacious young man who works for the state-run advertising agency. When the main office head, Huster, reassigns Schmidt to the central administration, Schmidt tries to make clear that he doesn't want the job and things turn precarious.

Chile Lives

Chile lebt (1976)

Director: Börner, Michael
Juan Forch

This short, animated piece of agitprop fiercely expresses the hopes of the Chilean people.

The film is also available with Spanish subtitles.

Disco Film 14: Omega

Disco 14: Die Omegas (1976)

Director: Raue, Dieter
Rümmel, Jürgen

This short film depicts Omega, one of Hungary's most successful rock bands, on tour in the GDR.

The footage includes brief interviews, concert preparations and performances for young audiences.

Disco Film 16: The Puhdys

Disco 16: Puhdys (1976)

Director: Steinheisser, Jürgen

The Puhdys were one of East Germany's best-known and most popular beat music groups.

Four Chapters on the GDR

Vier Kapitel DDR (1976)

Director: Kilian, Georg

This documentary introduces international viewers to the GDR and demonstrates why it is preferable to live in a socialist state where everyone enjoys human rights, shared ownership of wealth and property, the right to work and education, and positive social relationships.

Free Admission

Eintritt kostenlos (1976)

Director: Hellmich, Peter
Heynowski, Walter
Scheumann, Gerhard

Neglecting to pay a free visit to the Hanoi museums cost the American people 56,369 lives and 146 billion dollars.

GDR Magazine 1976/01: Socialist Democracy

DDR-Magazin 1976/01 (1976)

Director: Sobiczewski, Heinz

Key issues of national policy are decided by the GDR parliament, the People's Chamber.

GDR Magazine 1976/02: Culture, Education, Leisure Time

DDR-Magazin 1976/02 (1976)

Director: Enseleit, Barbara Christa

What opportunities for meaningful leisure activities does the socialist state offer East German citizens?

GDR Magazine 1976/06: Youth and Solidarity

DDR-Magazin 1976/06 (1976)

Director: Junge, Winfried
Kraußer, Jochen

Four short segments feature young people and their involvement in national and international socialist youth organizations.

1. Delegates from 35 countries meet in Berlin for the 10th Free German Youth Congress in 1976.

GDR Magazine 1976/07: Preschool Education

DDR-Magazin 1976/07 (1976)

Director: Plickat, Kurt

Preschool education is an integral part of the socialist education system. Using a preschool in Eisenach as an example, the film describes the complete care and protection afforded to the youngest citizens of the GDR and explains the advantages of this type of pedagogical support.

GDR Sports Report

DDR-Sportreport (1976)

Director: Müller, Heinz
Sobiczewski, Heinz

Is there a phenomenon that could be described as a "sports miracle" in the GDR? This film depicts opportunities to be involved in sports that have been created all over the country with the help of the socialist state, public organizations, and volunteer efforts by ordinary people.

Grosskochberg: Garden of the Public Landscape

Großkochberg — Garten der öffentlichen Landschaft (1976)

Director: Böttcher, Jürgen

Kochberg Castle used to be owned by the von Stein family; Goethe visited Charlotte von Stein there several times. 

As part of the 1000 Years of Weimar celebrations, the castle, which has been turned into a memorial, is opened to the public.

Hostess

Hostess (1976)

Director: Römer, Rolf

Jette and Johannes have been living together for two years when Johannes suggests that they "legalize" their relationship. Jette loves him, but the proposal of marriage terrifies her.

In the Dust of the Stars

Im Staub der Sterne (1976)

Director: Kolditz, Gottfried

The Cyrno spaceship lands on the planet TEM 4 in order to respond to a call for help. The Temers deny having sent this message. As commander Akala prepares the spaceship to leave, the ruler of TEM 4 invites her and her crew to a party.

Incorrigible Barbara

Die unverbesserliche Barbara (1976)

Director: Warneke, Lothar

Former performance athlete Barbara is a highly respected member of her factory, where she is known for the high standards she sets for herself and her colleagues.

La Brigada — A Mural for the Unidad Popular in Dresden

Brigada - Ein Beitrag zur Solidarität anläßlich der 16. Arbeiterfestspiele 1976 in Dresden (1976)

Director: Hofmann, Rolf
Juan Forch

During the 16th Workers' Festival in Dresden in 1976, Chilean students who immigrated to East Germany and who are members of the group Salvador Allende Brigada, including the famous Chilean painter César Olhagaray, a

Little Red Riding Hood

Rotkäppchen (1976)

Director: Sacher, Otto

Little Red Riding Hood is going to visit her grandmother, but along the way, she meets a big bad wolf with a sneaky plan to eat them both up.

Love Traps

Liebesfallen (1976)

Director: Wallroth, Werner W.

This episodic comedy explores love in all its varieties. The ship's cook Udo tries to seduce women with a sailing boat and delicious food but ends up in Bettina Gürtelschmidt's net. Bettina's boss would like to end up with her neighbor Dr.

Nobody Can Stop the Revolution

Die Revolution kann keiner aufhalten (1976)

Director: Juan Forch

Combining collage animation and live action, this short depicts the achievements of the Chilean people under the Allende government and the subsequent reversal of this progress following the military coup.

Ottokar, the World Reformer

Ottokar der Weltverbesserer (1976)

Director: Kratzert, Hans

Fifth-grader Ottokar is always getting into trouble for trying to fix what he perceives as injustice. He gets revenge on his teacher Mr. Kunz, who gives preferential treatment to girls and humiliates poor students.

Palace of the Republic: House of the People

Palast der Republik: Haus des Volkes (1976)

Director: Winter, Horst

This color documentary uses archival material and contemporary footage to trace the history of Marx-Engels Square and the Palace of the Republic. Various stages in the construction of the monumental building are documented, from the initial excavations to Honecker's speech at the laying of the co

Somalia: The Great Struggle

Somalia — Die große Anstrengung (1976)

Director: Junge, Winfried

This two-part documentary by Winfried Junge (Children of Golzow series) presents the changes in the country of Somalia following a revolution and the establishment of a socialist government.

Tambari

Tambari (1976)

Director: Weiß, Ulrich

Circumnavigator and South Seas voyager Luden Dassow (Erwin Geschonneck) returns with his white fishing boat Tambari to his home village Koselin. But the other fishermen are hardly welcoming.

The Blue Light

Das blaue Licht (1976)

Director: Gusner, Iris

Hans served his king faithfully as a soldier. But now, cheated out of his pay, he is returning home. A witch heals his wounds and demands in return that he fetches the blue light from the dried-up well.

The Light on the Gallows

Das Licht auf dem Galgen (1976)

Director: Nitzschke, Helmut

In 1793, the French are at war with England. Two friends, Debuisson and Sasportas, are sent to Jamaica, the English colony where their mission is to free the slaves. Bit by bit they are able to recruit people for their operation. Meanwhile, Napoleon comes to power in France.

The Sorrows of Young Werther

Die Leiden des jungen Werthers (1976)

Director: Günther, Egon

The young and rebellious Werther is passionately but hopelessly in love with Lotte. Although he knows that she is married to somebody who can offer her a secure future, Werther tries to be near her.

Vietnam 1: Devil's Island

Vietnam 1 — Die Teufelsinsel (1976)

Director: Heynowski, Walter
Scheumann, Gerhard

The first of another series of Vietnam documentaries by filmmaking team Heynowski and Scheumann, Devil's Island focuses on the South Vietnam prison Co Son.

A Chilean Wedding

Eine chilenische Hochzeit (1977)

Director: Ackermann, Rainer
Milanov, Valentin

This short documentary features impressions from the wedding of two young Chileans, Alejandra and Pepe. Both study in East Germany and plan to work in Angola, Mozambique or Cuba after graduating.

A Snowman for Africa

Ein Schneemann für Afrika (1977)

Director: Losansky, Rolf

Every day on the beach at Coccatuttibana, Asina, a little girl from Africa, waits for the ship from Rostock. The young sailor Karli will be on it, and he has promised to bring her something special that does not exist in Africa.

Aparcoa

Gruppe Aparcoa (1977)

Director: Steinheisser, Jürgen

A portrait of the Latin American folkloric music ensemble Aparcoa, which was formed in Chile in 1965. The group went into exile and settled in Rostock, East Germany, in 1974.

Copihuito

Copihuito (1977)

Director: Jordan, Günter

Young Chilean pioneers create a newspaper together in East Berlin, the capital of the GDR. They call it "Copihuito," the name of a climbing plant that grows in Chile and symbolizes the resistance of the Chilean people against any form of oppression.

DEFA Disco 77

DEFA Disko 77 (1977)

Director: Thiel, Heinz
Wallroth, Werner W.

This entertainment film features a colorfully mixed program of musical numbers, along with the most popular artists of GDR music, film and television. Before each performance, the artists involved are seen in an everyday situation in their life.

Disco Film 17: Spy in Munich

Disco 17: Kundschafter in München (1977)

Director: Raue, Dieter

Czechoslovakian spy Pavel Minarik worked for 7 years at Radio Free Europe, an American news broadcasting organization with headquarters in Munich. Evidence from his time there is used to unmask the station's role in increasing Cold War tensions.

Disco Film 22: The Puhdys II

Disco 22: Puhdys II (1977)

Director: Steinheisser, Jürgen

This is the second installment in the Disco Film series to feature the Puhdys, a popular East German rock band.

Festival of Sports

Fest des Sports (1977)

Director: Hadaschik, Joachim

This documentary allows the viewer to relive the VI. German Gymnastics and Sports Festival and VI. Children's and Youth's Spartakiad Games, held simultaneously in Leipzig.

Fire Below Deck

Feuer unter Deck (1977)

Director: Zschoche, Herrmann