East German Cinema

New on the east German Cinema Blog: The last movie released under the DEFA banner, It's a strange movie. Part Ken Russell, part experimental video, part historical romance. Sadly, it's not currently available in Germany or elsewhere. Don't ask me where, then, I obtained my copy, because I honestly don't remember.

New on the East German Cinema Blog: A wacky movie that combines elements of The Wizard of Oz, The Neverending Story, and Sleeping Beauty with a giant spider.

Here's a treat. Open KALW's Local Player and choose "Music for Other Minds." This week it's music from East German science fiction films. A wide variety of sounds, from electronic madness to space-age lounge music.

Who doesn't love a heist film? New on the East German Cinema Blog: A look at THE BREAK-IN, a crime comedy made shortly before the GDR started to collapse.

DEFA's second film. Partly the story of a woman coming to grips with life after WWII, and partly the story of the creation of Vereinigung der gegenseitigen Bauernhilfe (Association of Mutual Farmers Aid). Part rubble film, part rural saga.

Here's the podcast I did last week with Shane Whaley at Radio GDR. It become apparent pretty quickly that was a lot more to talk about on the subject, so expect more podcasts in the future. https://eastgermancinema.com///radio-gdr-podcast-on-films/

New on the East German cinema blog: A movie about what it was like to be a fifteen-year-old in rural East Germany in 1974. Oh, the fashions!