A look at visions, losses and the last generation of the GDR

Film & discussion with Michael Grisko and Tobias J. Knoblich

Peter Kahane's film "The Architects" is one of the most impressive late DEFA productions - a quiet, atmospherically dense drama about hopes that are shattered by reality. At the center is the young architect Daniel, who, together with his team, is commissioned to design a new district. What begins as a new beginning turns into a sobering experience: bureaucratic guidelines, political boundaries and the fatigue of a system that is staggering towards its end slowly cause the vision of modern, people-friendly architecture to fizzle out.

The film shows a society caught between stagnation and new beginnings. Kahane's gaze remains precise, sometimes melancholy, sometimes rebellious - and makes "The Architects" a haunting portrait of those last years before the fall of communism, in which idealism and reality clashed irreconcilably.

To mark the 80th anniversary of DEFA, Kultur: Haus Dacheröden is presenting a "DEFA in the Salon" special that follows on from the "Kino im Salon" series, which has been successful and popular for years. In a familiar atmosphere - approachable, enthusiastic about film and beyond large cinema complexes - this special is dedicated to selected works from the history of the East German studio.

The series is curated by Michael Grisko, a literary and media scholar. With his introduction, he will provide an in-depth look at the genesis, contexts and impact history of the film. After the screening, he will be joined by Tobias J. Knoblich - cultural scientist and State Secretary at the Thuringian Ministry for Digital Affairs and Infrastructure since 2024 - to talk about cinema, cultural history and the social issues that may still make these films relevant today.

An evening for anyone looking for an intimate cinema experience: by candlelight, with a cool drink and in a quiet salon atmosphere.

Film length: 97 minutes, followed by a discussion