The German-German Film Days in Plauen in the Vogtland region and the Franconian twin town of Hof start today with films, interviews with contemporary witnesses and open discussions. For the 15th time, interested parties can attend the events free of charge and also bring different perspectives into the discussion themselves, says organizer Steffi Behncke from the cultural department of the city of Plauen.
Up to 3,000 guests are expected in the cinemas of the two twin cities on the former German-German border. Some of the films are also dedicated to difficult topics such as forced adoptions in the GDR or the building of the Wall.
Living history lessons
School classes are particularly interested in the events, says Behncke. "For younger people, it is part of a lively history lesson. They get to talk to contemporary witnesses and often hear about the experiences of that time for the first time." For older people, on the other hand, the film days are often a form of reappraisal.
The event kicks off in Plauen on Friday evening with a documentary on German reunification followed by a panel discussion, which Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) is also expected to attend. Current issues - such as the eastward expansion of NATO - will also be addressed. The Central Cinema in Hof will be addressing the topic a day earlier with a panel discussion entitled "Europe and Eastern Enlargement".
One of the highlights will be the event "35 Years of German Unity - Remembering, Telling, Shaping" next Wednesday (19 November) in Plauen. Among others, photographer and author Nadja Klier and Ralf-Uwe Beck, spokesperson for the federal board of the "Mehr Demokratie" association, are expected to attend. Behncke emphasizes: "We have never had such an open discussion with audience participation on current topics in this form before."
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