The Burning Wall (2002)

Synopsis: Between 1949 and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Stasi--a secret police force numbering over 100,000 agents and comprised mainly of ordinary citizens--inflicted psychological warfare on... Between 1949 and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Stasi--a secret police force numbering over 100,000 agents and comprised mainly of ordinary citizens--inflicted psychological warfare on "enemies of the state" in East Germany [German Democratic Republic (GDR)]. Filmmaker Hava Kohav Beller investigates this period using archived images, film clips, and interviews with both former Stasi members and those deemed dissenters. The result is a thought-provoking look at the political history of the GDR and the nature of dissent and resistance within its boundaries. Writers, artists, and intellectuals who were subjects of Stasi surveillance and mind games discuss the effects that living in such conditions had on their lives. Just as intriguing are the former Stasi agents, most of whom show no remorse for their role in spying on their fellow countrymen. The personal stories that are shared are inspiring, but it is the footage of the Berlin Wall being constructed and ultimately coming down that provokes the most emotion. Among those interviewed are Czech statesman Vaclav Havel, author Günter Grass, and balladeer Wolf Biermann. [More]

Director: Hava Kohav Beller

Director: Hava Kohav Beller
Screenwriter: Hava Kohav Beller
Producer: Hava Kohav Beller