Selects – the streaming program of the Kinemathek

General information

After the War

Selects #12 | 1 May–15 Jul 25

May marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, concluding years of unprecedented violence, terror, and the systematic murder of millions in the Holocaust. Germany, which was responsible for the war, also lay in ruins and its people were physically and emotionally scarred. The films in this selection reflect the tensions in Germany during the post-war period — the desire for a fresh start as well as the struggle to come to terms with the past. Immediately after the war, the first productions were made in the occupation zones. While these films primarily portray post-war reconstruction and everyday survival, later works increasingly deal with guilt, repression, and atrocities. They raise questions about the aftermath of the war from a range of perspectives, including those of perpetrators, survivors, and subsequent generations. These films serve as a reminder that the end of war not only marks a new beginning but also a lengthy struggle with the past. The issues they address are distressingly relevant today, as the world faces new and resurgent conflicts.

Information on program change

The film ‘Die Mörder sind unter uns’ was originally included in the program, but unfortunately cannot be shown due to licensing restrictions. We appreciate your understanding.

All films

  • ‘Vokzal – Bahnhof Brest’, GER 1993, directed by Gerd Kroske, 91 min, with English subtitles, rating: 6
    Documentary film 

  • ‘BeFreier und Befreite’, GER 1992, directed by Helke Sander, 107 min, with English subtitles (SHD and AD), rating: 12
    Documentary film 

  • ‘BeFreier und Befreite’, GER 1992, directed by Helke Sander, 107 min, with English subtitles (SHD and AD), rating: 12
    Documentary film 

  • ‘Deutschland bleiche Mutter’, FRG 1980, directed by Helma Sanders-Brahms, 151 min, with English subtitles, rating: 16

  • ‘Die Russen kommen’, GDR 1968/87, directed by Heiner Carow, 95 min, with English subtitles, rating: 12

  • ‘Karbid und Sauerampfer’, GDR 1963, directed by Frank Beyer, 77 min, with English subtitles, rating: 12

  • ‘Die Brücke’, GER (East) 1949, directed by Artur Pohl, 85 min, no subtitles, rating: 0

  • ‘Berliner Ballade’, GER (West) 1948, directed by Robert A. Stemmle, 90 min, with English subtitles, rating: 6

  • ‘Aktion Storch’, GER (West) 1945, anonymous director, 7 min, with English subtitles, rating: 0
    Documentary film

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