The series is dedicated to the late Konrad Wolf, one of the GDR's leading directors and the first to bring international recognition to DEFA filmmaking. Wolf, who died in 1982, is represented in the series by two of his finest films, Mama, I'm Alive and Solo Sunny (see May 8).
“A co-Soviet production, Mama, I'm Alive is a wartime drama of four young German soldiers who are captured by Russian troops and join the anti-fascist movement. One is an artist of sorts, the others are a carpenter, an airplane pilot and a theology student. Their process of rehabilitation and education is difficult, as they are often seen, and indeed often see themselves, as traitors to their country. Each must come to some reconciliation with his feelings towards Germany, the war, and their new roles as anti-fascist activists. With a focus more on morality, conscience and conviction than on the war itself (the events of which never directly figure on the screen), Mama, I'm Alive has a profound resonance of loss and hope characteristic of Konrad Wolf's work.” Tony Safford, AFI