Letztes Jahr Titanic

Summary

After "Leipzig im Herbst", "Letztes Jahr Titanic" is another part of Andres Voigt's "Leipzig Series". Like its predecessor, the documentary examines the period of upheaval in the GDR between December 1989 and December 1990, portraying from a subjective perspective five Leipzig citizens who, within the space of a year, experience the first free election campaigns and elections, the introduction of the deutschmark, the newfound freedom to travel, increasing economic uncertainty and, finally, the end of the GDR and German reunification. Among those portrayed is Wolfgang, twice convicted of attempted Republikflucht (flight from the Republic). He wants to go to the West as quickly as possible, as does the pub owner Sylvia. Even at this early stage of political developments, the former journalist Renate speaks of her contacts with the Stasi and the responsibility this entails, while for John, a left-wing hair occupier, the everyday fight against right-wing radicals is the focus of his daily life. "Last Year Titanic" was awarded the Adolf Grimme Prize in 1991.