Kriegskinder
German public channel Das Erste (”The First”) currently runs a four part series (of each 45 minutes) about and with war (WW2) children. The series made through the MDR, that is based in Leipzig, and produced by local company LE Vision, includes a huge research work that has been done to let personal stories come forward before it is too late. As the participating children are now in their late 70’es or 80’es.
I saw the 3rd part and It is moving stories that come forward about children, who lose their parents, about children who were at the front as teenage soldiers, about children who still in their old age have traumatic experiences. It is amazing that they have survived, you often think.
The archive material presented is very impressive. The voice-off commentary that takes us by the hand is very well chosen text- and tone-wise. The use of music is balanced. It is a work full of respect for the characters. In a non-sensationalistic frame, yet of course you sense a sometimes too schematic and predictable structure fit for prime time television.
The 4th part is on monday April 6, the series can be watched online for a limited period and is son to be released on dvd.
