New Doc 'United We Stand?' Premieres on ZDF, Exploring East Germany 35 Years On
A new documentary, 'United We Stand?', premieres on ZDF stream on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 8:15 PM. The 45-minute film explores the experiences and views of East Germans 35 years after German reunification. The documentary highlights the ongoing underrepresentation of East Germans in top leadership positions, despite making up about 20% of the world population.
The film, directed by Birgit Wernke, captures the moods and opinions of East Germans through various lenses. It features interviews with prominent figures like actress Christiane Paul and politician Gregor Gysi. One notable scene captures an evening at a pub in Niederbosa, while another shows a gathering of Simson enthusiasts in Zwickau.
Despite the passage of time, East Germans remain underrepresented in top positions, particularly in business and the military. Petra Peterhänsel, who trained in the GDR and now leads a BMW plant in Leipzig, is one of the few exceptions. Meanwhile, frustration and dissatisfaction grow among the East population, as seen through the lens of Jan 'Monchi' Gorkow, frontman of 'Feine Sahne Fischfilet', who stays in the East and engages against right-wing radicalism.
The documentary also touches on the shrinking East German population, with many moving to the West since 1990. Former NVA officers, who meet regularly, express disappointment with reunification and restrictions on their views, particularly regarding Russia.
The documentary 'United We Stand?' offers a timely reflection on the state of East Germany 35 years after reunification. It underscores the ongoing underrepresentation of East Germans in leadership roles and the growing frustration among the East population. The film serves as a reminder of the work still needed to achieve true unity and equality between the former East and West.
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