Das Sandmännchen, das aus der Kälte kam – DDR-Filmproduktionen im Kulturaustausch mit Schweden

Abstract

This essay uses the example of GDR film export to Sweden to examine specific objectives, internal planning, and results of GDR cultural policy in Sweden. It also investigates the Swedish receptions and the appraisals and patterns of argumentation to be found. The study is based on articles in Swedish daily press and technical journals and on internal documents of the East-German bureaucracy. The analysis is divided into several case studies which are restricted to the late 1960s and early 1970s, the heyday of GDR cultural activities in Sweden. After a glance at the situation in commercial film business, the focus shifts to a series of special film showings at the Swedish Film Institute's film club (SFI:s filmklubb).

Keywords

• Arts
• Culture
• Cold War
• Film
• Media
• Sweden
• Relations with Germany