East German homeland films conquer the cinemas: Emotions in Sangerhausen!

East German homeland films conquer the cinemas: Emotions in Sangerhausen!

There is a lot going on in the world of cinema in East Germany. Younger filmmakers have discovered a new genre: the East German homeland film. These exciting developments are reflected in the current productions. An outstanding example is the film “Sehnsucht in Sangerhausen”, which will be released in cinemas on November 13th. But what makes this film so special?

Director Julian Radlmaier takes the audience to the small town of Sangerhausen, which is often referred to as the “drive-by town”. It is shaped by the consequences of deindustrialization. In this setting, the film tells the story of Ursula, who works in a furniture store and deals with the challenges of life. In her search for meaning, she meets the waitress and YouTuber Maral, an unlikely friend, and together they go on a ghost hunt in the mountains. The world premiere at the Locarno International Film Festival is already being reported with excitement, and the initial reactions are promising.

A new look at the past

The local film has made it its mission to avoid clichés about East Germans. “Sehnsucht in Sangerhausen” takes viewers on a journey through the East German provinces and sheds light on the lives of simple people. In this point it follows on from the film “Red Stars Over the Field”, which also hits cinemas on November 6th. This film addresses the eventful history of Germany from the time of the Nazis to the present and puts the conflicts between those who moved away and those who stayed behind in a broad context.

“Red Stars Above the Field” has already won several awards, including the Film Critics’ Prize at the Max Ophüls Film Festival. But here too, the audience is not spared from controversy: anonymous calls for a boycott because of the casting of Till Lindemann in a small role have caused a stir. Despite these challenges, both films convey a hopeful message - the rediscovery of home.

Social tensions and comedy

Both films not only take up the nostalgic elements of the East German homeland, but also address serious social tensions. “Sehnsucht in Sangerhausen” combines bizarre comedy with deep thematic messages. The charm and challenges of the province are portrayed in a special way, with Sangerhausen including its old town and the rose garden “Rosarium” serving as the backdrop.

Whether in Sangerhausen or elsewhere – the focus is on the encounters between the characters, and they are often dissimilar women who interact with each other in surprising ways. The film not only puts a face to the problems of small East German towns, but also sharpens our eyes for the hidden beauty of these regions.

It remains to be seen how these new East German homeland films will be received by audiences. But one thing is certain: the younger generations of filmmakers are showing a good knack for telling the stories of their homeland in fresh and engaging ways.