Synopsis
- Some few metres removed from the geographic centre of the former GDR springs an inconspicuous little stream, Verlorenwasser (Lost Water). In the past it vanished back into the earth a few steps from its point of origin, only to reappear a few kilometres away.
Verlorenwasser Creek is the point of departure for a collage of historical documents, noises and musical fragments, interviews, observations, radio reports and idyllic, filmed forays through an (apparently) empty landscape. Fläming Heath Heights are less than a hundred kilometres south of Berlin, on the very edge of Brandenburg, yet in the heart of Prussia.
First day of filming of 'Verlorenwasser 1 and 2': the first free elections on March 18, 1990.
In the third, and fictional, part of the film, 'Krasna Amerika' (Beautiful America), we follow the 1899 odyssey of the Russian fabric merchant Igor Gruseveyitch and are witness to his filmed impressions of Russia, America and Germany. His film is made in the intention of persuading his wife to emigrate to the USA. She is reluctant, Igor takes measures, and solves his problem – in Verlorenwasser.
In the fourth part, the film-maker explores the present situation at deserted military, riot police and state security premises. Roloff loses himself repeatedly in the traces of the past and their cold aura. Verlorenwasser becomes a metaphor for the disappearance and reappearance of history and stories in the flow of time.
part 1: 1990/1991, 27min | part 2: 1992, 47min | part 3: 2000, 22min | part 4: 2009, 20min
Crew
- Director: Peter Roloff
- Screenplay: Peter Roloff
- Director of photography: Peter Roloff
- Editor (Cut): Barbara Kirchner, Frank Behnke, Peter Roloff, Manfred Hielscher
- Producer: Peter Roloff
- Supported by: Filmbüro BremenMedienboard Berlin-Brandenburg
- Distributed by: Basis-Film Verleih Berlin
- Production company: maxim film
Festivals
- (2002) Message to Man, St Petersburg
- (2003) Mostra International del Cinema, Sao Paulo
- (2003) International Film Festival, Figueira da Foz
