Synopsis:
In this open and entertaining autobiography, director Rainer Simon shares his experiences making films in East Germany. From writing the scripts, through dealing with censorship, to distributing his films, Simon gives us a detailed look at creative life and filmmaking under socialism. This book is also an account of Simon’s private life and work as a filmmaker in Europe and Latin America. The director of some of East Germany’s most important films, Simon’s major films include: Till Eulenspiegel (1975), based on a film script by Christa and Gerhard Wolf; The Airship (1983); The Woman and the Stranger (1984), awarded the Grand Prize at the 1984 Berlin Film Festival; and Jadup and Boel (1980), banned by officials until 1988. Since shooting The Ascent of Chimborazo (1989), Simon’s work has focused on the life and culture of the indigenous people of Ecuador.