Konzert im Freien

A Place In Berlin

Like a fossil, the "Marx-Engels-Forum," a large, ambitious monument project from the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), adorns a central and historical spot in the middle of Berlin. Juergen Boettcher′s experimental documentary incorporates his own footage from 1981-1986 about the creation of this monument into new material, shot exclusively on location at the Marx-Engels-Forum. A vast collage with numerous levels: documentary shots of the artists involved at the time, and above all, intense observations of today′s visitors to this square′s anachronistic monument ensemble. Groups, families, couples, tourists from around the world all have their pictures taken in front of the stiff, stoic figures of Marx and Engels. Percussionist Guenther "Baby" Sommer and saxophonist Dietmar Diesner are the musical guides through the film, giving it structure, propelling the different kinds of material - partly brittle, strange and even grotesque - to dance. A confrontation with history and art in Berlin′s new center.

Source: German films Service & Marketing GmbH