March Brandenburg Bricks

(Märkische Ziegel)

GDR, 1989, 33 min, b&w
In German; no subtitles
Credits:
Director
Script
Dramaturg
Editor
Camera
Music (Score)
Sound
Production Company

Synopsis

Spring 1988: the brick-making industry has determined the rhythms of life in the small Brandenburg town of Zehdenick for exactly 100 years. Long-time brickmakers and young employees speak openly and critically about their working and living conditions.

 

This film is the first part of Volker Koepp's March Brandenburg trilogy.

Commentary

March Brandenburg Bricks is a despressing report about out-of-date production methods and disillusioned people. This very sensitive and emotional documentary was held back by GDR censors. In an era in which poetic descriptions of the image of the working class abounded, Koepp's film provides both a realistic, concrete document of work in a specific town as well as insight into working-class life in East Germany more generally.

Awards

1990 European Prize
1989 Film Ducat, Mannheim International Film Week
1989 Prize of the Adult Education Schools, Mannheim International Film Week

Availability

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