Es lebe die R...

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

January 1988 •German

Documents the remodeling of the Ostbahnhof in Berlin Friedrichshain into the central station of the GDR.

Berlin – Bauplatz der Jugend

January 1982 •German

Documents the work of youth work action on construction sites in East Berlin.

Sieg im Osten

October 1993 •German

The army of the GDR, called NVA had not survived the reunification of Germany, it was completely absorbed by the Bundeswehr and scrapped subsequently. But what apparently went on so smoothly as a peaceful unification of hostile brothers quietly left deep scars in the East German landscape.

Robotron - High Tech made in GDR

January 2013 •German

In a world divided by the Iron Curtain, East Germany sought to carve its niche in the technological race. Enter "Robotron" - a name that seamlessly blended "robot" and "electronics." This wasn't just a brand; it was an ambitious answer to the West's technological advancements, a testament to the GDR’s drive to match, if not surpass, Western innovation. Drawing inspiration from the corporate giants of the West, the GDR‘s government merged various businesses to form this tech behemoth. With 16 major hubs in Central Germany alone, it was clear: "Robotron" was to be the DDR's technological crown jewel. But what was the Socialist Unity Party (SED), the GDR's ruling party, envisioning with this grand venture? How did "Robotron" navigate the challenges of operating within a socialist planned economy, while striving for global excellence? And as it grew to dominate East Germany's tech landscape, why did it always seem to be one step behind the leading global tech powers?

Meiner ist bei den Soldaten

January 1975 •German

East German short film

Interkosmos

January 1980 •German

Short film about astronauts in the GDR

Republic of Zambia

January 1979 •German

Erich Honecker visits the Republic of Zambia

Pride & Attitude

October 2025 •German

The viewpoints of women from a country that no longer exists preserved on low-band U-matic tape. GDR-FRG. Courageous, self-confident and emancipated: female industry workers talk about gaining autonomy.

Der schwarze Kasten

June 1992 •German

Interview with Jochen Girke, a retired East German Stasi agent, filmed March, 1990 to June, 1991. Questions explore his study of psychology for use as a filmmaker and trainer of interrogators and informers. Segments include conversations with his parents, teacher, former girlfriend and wife.

Hotel Astoria

October 2020 •German

At Hotel Astoria, the former hotspot of Leipzig, guests were served champagne and turtle soup while the Stasi listened in. Animated memories from times gone by.

Ost/​West – Relikte einer Grenze

November 2019 •German

JUNI 53

July 2024 •German

Achtung Staatsgrenze

January 1963 •German

Short film about the GDR state border

Beyond the Blue Border

October 2024 •German

GDR, August 1989: Hanna and Andreas became a target of the secret police and had to give up their plans for their future studies and desired professions. Instead, they face arbitrariness, mistrust and reprisals. Their only chance for a self-determined life lies in fleeing across the Baltic Sea. Fifty kilometres of water separate them from freedom - and only a thin connecting rope around their wrists saves them from absolute loneliness.

Der Held vom Bahnhof Friedrichstraße

Invalid date •German

All his life, Michael Hartung, owner of a hopelessly debt-ridden video store, has bet on the wrong horse. When an ambitious journalist confronts him with the results of his research, everything changes for the charmingly melancholy Micha. Many years ago, as an employee of the Reichsbahn, he is said to have organized the largest mass escape in the GDR. Stasi files prove the case. He was apparently even imprisoned and then deported to an open-cast lignite mine. Seduced by a lavish salary, Micha confirms the story, although only fragments of it are true.

Everything's a Lie

April 1992 •German

Erich Kasulke and Rudolf Portmann are comedian stars of the former GDR. When the Wall falls, so does their success. Portmann becomes a successful businessman, while Kasulke tries to continue working on the comedy circuit - without success. When his wife also cheats on him, he decides to start a new life in Berlin. There he quickly meets his old friend Portmann, who has built up a huge company. He offers him a job. But Erich puts the entire company in danger...

Auf der Suche nach dem Glück

Invalid date •German

The Uber Story

March 2019 •English

Uber is among the most recognisable brands in the world. It has become embedded in our language and has revolutionised the way we get from A to B. Over the past nine years, the edgy digital disruptor has upended an entire industry business model and made ride sharing cool. But Uber's ride to success has been far from smooth. How did the ruthless app giant outwit regulators and crush its competitors?

Making 'The Misfits'

October 2002 •English

A behind-the-scenes and in-depth look at the making of John Huston's The Misfits (1961).

Opéra Vertical

January 1982 •French