More than 'The Cold Heart': Uni Erfurt discusses DDR cinema - DEFA's 80th Anniversary Celebrates East Germany's Hidden Cinematic Legacy
The University of Erfurt is marking the 80th anniversary of DEFA with a major conference and exhibition. Running from March 25 to 27, the event will explore the studio's influence beyond its most famous films. Scholars from across the globe will gather to discuss East German cinema's lesser-known but equally significant works.
The programme includes a public screening of the newly restored 1976 adaptation of The Sorrows of Young Werther. Alongside talks, an exhibition titled Filming in Thuringia will showcase DEFA's deep connections to the region, highlighting its lasting cultural impact.
DEFA, the state-run film studio of East Germany, was founded eight decades ago. Its legacy has endured through ongoing restoration projects led by institutions like the DEFA-Stiftung and Progress Film. Recent years have seen key titles such as Die Architekten (1990), Coming Out (1989), and Solo Sunny (1980) brought back to audiences in restored versions.
The conference, DEFA Without Borders: Mobility and Space, will bring together researchers from the U.S., Australia, and Europe. Their focus will extend beyond the studio's best-known productions, examining themes of movement, location, and artistic expression in East German filmmaking.
Alongside academic discussions, the exhibition Filming in Thuringia will explore DEFA's regional roots. It will feature screenings, new publications, and details of current research projects tied to the studio's history. The restored 1976 film The Sorrows of Young Werther will also be shown, offering attendees a chance to experience a piece of DEFA's cinematic heritage firsthand.
The event will highlight DEFA's continued relevance in film studies and regional culture. Through restored films, scholarly debates, and public exhibitions, the conference aims to deepen understanding of East German cinema's broader contributions. The University of Erfurt's programme ensures that DEFA's 80-year legacy remains accessible to new audiences.
