The DEFA Film Library Turns 30! |
DEFA at the GSA ARTS NIGHT |
Stream + Rent Soon2023-24 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
This year marks our 30th anniversary! After signing a UMass Memorandum of Understanding, Prof. Barton Byg signed contracts with the German partners, thus marking the official founding of the DEFA Film Library. Here are some highlights of our 30th-anniversary program. |
This program features three women filmmakers—Helke Misselwitz, Gitta Nickel and Petra Tschörtner—at the East German DEFA Studio for Documentary Films. The three selections are films made by women about women’s experiences in the GDR in the 1970s-80s, thereby offering candid views on issues... |
The DEFA Film Library will release the following newly digitized documentaries, feature and animation films in 2023-24. All titles will be available for educational streaming and rental. Stay tuned for the release dates. |
Shibboleth login
Biology!

In a small East German town shortly before the fall of the Berlin Wall, Ulla, a sensitive and principled 10th-grader, meets computer-obsessed Winfried, son of a chemical plant manager. On a field trip with her biology class...
Film Rentals
Hero of the Reserve

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...