German documentaries focus on special days in world history
Cologne/Cannes, 18 February 2009 – At the 2009 MipTV exhibition, united docs makes a strong impression with excellently researched background stories about events that shaped world history. Upon the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the German distributing company for documentaries offers an exciting, prime-time production by NDR and arte: "Schabowski's Note" (60') examines the chain of events during the decisive 24 hours of November 9, 1989. And the three-part "East Germany’s Final Year" (3x45'/52') and the worldwide search for the remains of the Berlin Wall "Where Is the Wall?" (52') recall the closing days of the Cold War. It has also been 20 years since the gaze of the entire world focused on the "Tiananmen" massacre in Beijing. The joint production by WDR, NDR and arte of the same name (52') takes a critical look at the consequences for the country and its people. "A major factor of our sales success is the fact we offer sophisticated journalism in HD quality, and thus suitable for a growing market. Our productions have sustainable value that is also effective on the international market," said Bettina Oebel, head of sales at united docs.
"Schabowski's Note" went down in history. This high-gloss documentary presents an authentic view of the story behind the fall of the Berlin Wall. Like in the TV series "24," several storylines are related simultaneously. With the help of split-screen technology, "Schabowski's Note" is a thrilling reconstruction of events that transpired simultaneously and exploded onto the scene of world history. The elaborately constructed film combines eyewitness reports, new footage and never-been-seen archive footage including original images of such international personalities as Gorbatchov, Bush, Kohl and Thatcher. Of particular interest is the exclusive interview with SED party official Günter Schabowski and Tom Brokaw, anchorman for NBC, who were both on hand for the exciting moment that changed Germany.
"East Germany's Final Year" – is the latest installment of the "Life Behind The Wall" series, which was awarded the Adolf Grimme Prize for outstanding television. In three parts, it takes a new, fresh look at life under socialism during the final year of the communist regime. For residents of both East and West Germany, events unfolded quickly: It was almost like a wedding, with a handsome groom, veiled bride and a dowry of unknown provenance. Wedding-Eve party, "I do" ceremony, reception and ball, hangover – and afterwards the realization that from now on, you belong together. Everyday stories, recreated in extensive detail, reveal the multi-layered process of German reunification. They tell of winners and losers in a societal transformation unlike no other in history, and which is still ongoing. In addition to well-known propaganda images, the three episodes of the film feature amateur recordings, photos and documents that present a "private" view of the GDR.
The documentary "Where is the Wall?" focuses on the best-known symbol of the Cold War. This HDTV production sheds light on the not-always-politically correct ways people have dealt with the most tangible remnants of the totalitarian system that was the German Democratic Republic. The sensitive and insightful search for the remains of the Wall takes viewers from Berlin to France, Sweden, the USA and Mexico City.
"Tiananmen" is a moving film that recalls the Chinese massacre of June 4, 1989. At the time, nearly a million people had been gathering for weeks at Tiananmen Square in the center of Beijing (now called the "Plaza of Heavenly Peace") before the People’s Liberation Army opened fire on the defenseless protestors. Survivors relate their stories, pointing out the positive and negative consequences for modern-day Chinese society. The demonstrators of those days are still being defamed today. This TV documentary reconstructs the tireless battle for democracy and freedom of opinion that moved the entire world.
