Young Protest Then and Now

The recordings of journalist Peter Wensierski show rebellion, self-determined life and daring to be different in the GDR of the 80s. Afterwards we are looking forward to a discussion between the filmmaker and three young activists from Jena. Together they will find out: how are today’s young protest movements? What has changed? What stays?

DISCLAIMER: Unfortunately, this programme is in German language only. The films are not subtitled and the discussion will not be translated. We are sorry for the inconvenience!

Peter Wensierski is a journalist, documentary filmmaker and author. After studying journalism, politics and history in Berlin, he worked as a Western journalist in the GDR from 1978 to 1985. During this time he published various reports, books and documentaries about the opposition movement in the youth, the artistic and intellectual circles and the church in the GDR. Wensierski has been an editor at SPIEGEL since 1993. He has received several awards for his activities.
(Schillerhof – blauer Saal)

Ost-Berlin & Anderswo: Punks & Künstler 1983

East-Berlin & Elsewhere: Punks & Artists 1983

film still Ost-Berlin & Anderswo: Punks & Künstler 1983
Documentary Germany
direction: Peter Wensierski

Big surprise for the GDR government: the youth was rebellious. Rare recordings show a vivid scene at the beginning of the 80s.

Ökos, Peacer, Pfarrer: Thüringen 1983

Ecos, Hippies, Pastors: Thuringia 1983

film still Ökos, Peacer, Pfarrer: Thüringen 1983
Documentary Germany
direction: Peter Wensierski

Flourishing landscapes in GDR times, free youth work in the churches of Thuringia – looking for free spaces.

Leben und Überleben in Jena 1987

Living and Surviving in Jena 1987

film still Leben und Überleben in Jena 1987
Documentary Germany
direction: Peter Wensierski

Jena, generation Airtramp: house climbing, open air breakfast, raft cruises on river Saale, busking - and then it was over quickly...