Contract Workers in the GDR under Scrutiny: Lichtenberg Phenomena of Perspectives Revealed
In a unique and thought-provoking entry, a group of tenth-graders from Hohenschönhausen have won a prize in the history competition of the Federal President for a film about contract workers in the German Democratic Republic (DDR). The 20-minute long film sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of East German history, providing a different perspective from the official historical narrative.
The film begins with Leena (16) standing in front of the Berlin Wall, explaining that contract workers were brought in from various countries for unpopular tasks in the GDR. The film features interviews with Mr. Ngyen, a Vietnamese contract student, who shares that integration was not intended for contract workers but for them to advance industrialization in their home countries.
Mr. Ngyen, who lived in a sealed-off dormitory and factory during his time in the GDR, did not notice any racism or exclusion. However, Leena mentions that Maciej, another tenth-grader and an immigrant, often jokes about being suspected of stealing due to his immigration status.
The film also explores the lives of contract workers from countries such as Mozambique, Angola, Cuba, Vietnam, and Poland, many of whom settled in Berlin, particularly in Lichtenberg, selling goods on the street from the Dong-Xuan-Center, running shops, and restaurants.
The group of tenth-graders hopes that their film encourages people to form their own opinions based on different perspectives. Malou, one of the students, suggests that people should interact with immigrants instead of placing them in accommodations. The students also express that they were strengthened in their anti-racism during the filmmaking process.
The older woman from Lichtenberg expresses shame about the gossip that spread about contract workers buying everything from GDR citizens and sending it to their home countries. This gossip, it seems, was unfounded.
The film presents a poignant reminder of the experiences of immigrants in East Germany, a topic that has received little attention in the official historical narrative. The students' film offers a fresh perspective, inviting viewers to reconsider the complexities of East German history and the role of immigrants within it.
The prize for the group is endowed with 500 euros, with each member receiving 50 euros. As the students continue to make waves with their thought-provoking film, it remains to be seen what other insights they will bring to light about East German history.
The film's exploration of contract workers in East Germany encourages general news discussions about the often untold stories of immigration during that time. The students, inspired by their anti-racism stance, are now considering delving into other education-and-self-development topics, such as the impact of immigration on politics and society.
