Also Directed by Henrike Sandner
In the beginning, there was the dream of a better and fairer society. For millions of people; however, the Soviet dream became a nightmare. After all these years since its collapse, what still remains of the Soviet Union? How can one approach the complex history of the mighty Soviet empire today? Henrike Sandner (*1971 in Dresden) answers these questions in a very personal film. Her film episodically follows the history of the Soviet Union and the Soviet myths of greatness, heroes, new people and a new Soviet culture, based on her own story. The film lasts 52 minutes and spans the years 1917 to 1991 - a story of contrasts that juxtaposes different perspectives and realities. Private archive footage and photos contrast with "official" news, Soviet film material or DEFA film classics. A "short" and personal history of the Soviet Union.
Fireworks enchant our senses – for a short but wonderful moment. Old family businesses have saved the tradition of fireworks to the present day. The film shows how this art form has developed over the centuries: Starting in China over a thousand years ago, we journey through the opulent Baroque era in Italy, Germany and France, experience Japanese hanabi artists in action and are also on hand to experience Guy Fawkes’ Night in the UK. We see how fireworks were democratised, becoming something that everyone could enjoy and have access to - before arriving in the present where the art of fireworks is again what it was in its heyday, a celebration of money, power and beauty.
An unparalleled portrait of Arthur Miller (1915-2005), a major writer who left an indelible mark on the world. Miller's life is intimately connected with the great themes that marked the 20th century. Glamour, fame, social criticism and Marilyn Monroe.
