Film Lens
The film focuses on the plight of Germans fleeing oppression in the Soviet zone after World War II. It details how since 1945, over 9 million refugees have sought political asylum in the German Federal Republic, with many using Berlin as their escape route. The documentary captures the experiences of these refugees as they arrive in Berlin, often in desperate conditions, and the challenges they face in refugee camps, such as Templehof, which are overcrowded and lack basic facilities.
Through personal stories and interviews, the film illustrates the emotional toll of displacement, as individuals lose their identities and become mere numbers in the system. The documentary emphasizes the harsh realities of separation from family and the struggle for survival, while also highlighting the determination of these individuals to seek freedom and dignity in their new lives.
Why Watch
- •Meet refugees sharing their personal stories of escape.
- •See the conditions in Berlin's overcrowded refugee camps.
- •Find out how individuals cope with separation from family.
Did You Know
•Since 1945, the German Federal Republic has granted asylum to over 9 million refugees.
•An average of 20,000 refugees enter Berlin each month.
•There are over 2,000 refugee camps in the German Federal Republic, with more than 70 located in Berlin.
•Refugees must register and live in acceptance camps while their cases are reviewed.
Perfect For
Cold War historyRefugee experiencesHuman rights advocacy