Axel Otten

The only documentary ever made by DEFA on the topic of homosexuality was this public education film commissioned by the Hygiene Museum Dresden and produced in cooperation with East German gay and lesbian activists. In interviews, GDR lesbians and gay men talk openly about their first sexual experiences and coming out. Though the film tries to convey an official GDR acceptance of homosexuality, they also talk about social discrimination against openly gay individuals.

The Annaberger Kät is one of the most traditional folk festivals in the GDR. The film conveys humorous observations and the atmosphere at this fairground, with the camera capturing scenes at the boxing machines, the bumper cars, the lottery and shooting booths from an unusual perspective.