Film Lens
Spaltprozesse – Wackersdorf 001 is a documentary directed by Claus Strigel and Bertram Verhaag, released in 1986. It focuses on the life in the Upper Palatinate region of Bavaria, particularly surrounding the planned Wackersdorf nuclear reprocessing plant (WAA) announced on February 4, 1985. The film addresses the implications of nuclear policy, the dangers posed by radioactive emissions, and the ecological destruction that accompanies such projects. It emphasizes the political and personal transformations of the local population as they confront the WAA project.
The title 'Spaltprozesse' refers both to the physical splitting of atomic nuclei and the societal division caused by the conflicts surrounding the WAA. The documentary captures the protests from citizens and the evolving political awareness among them. It also examines the power dynamics between local administration and nuclear companies, revealing contradictions between constitutional norms and reality. The film incorporates various media excerpts, including reports from ARD and ZDF, to enhance its narrative.
Why Watch
- •See citizens' protests against the Wackersdorf nuclear plant.
- •Meet key figures like Hans Schuierer and Irmgard Gietl.
- •Find out about the political tensions in Bavaria during the 1980s.
Did You Know
•The film won eleven awards, making it the most successful documentary of 1987/88.
•The Wackersdorf nuclear reprocessing plant was announced on February 4, 1985.
•The film is part of a Nuclear Power Trilogy that includes three other films.
Perfect For
Nuclear energy debatesEnvironmental activismBavarian history