Banned East German film receives long-awaited premiere

The regime in the former East Germany kept tight control of its population and that included their more artistic endeavours, such as film. Authorities kept a close eye on the state's only film company, DEFA, to make sure that its productions were of an acceptable nature.

After the Berlin Wall came down, many of the films banned by the regime resurfaced and were finally shown to the public. The film believed to be the last of these hidden films has now finally received its premiere.

Members of the public sat on the banks of the River Elbe in Dresden on Wednesday night and saw the comedy that had been hidden all those years. Selected cinemas across Germany are also showing the film from Thursday.

Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:  Communist authorities believed the film was too politically provocative

"Haende Hoch Oder Ich Schiesse" ("Hands Up Or I'll Shoot") tells the story of Holms, a small-time policeman who, because of the large numbers of secret police and informants running around East Germany, finds there is little left for him to do in the way of crime-fighting.

He sets out to change that and convinces several petty criminals to steal a monument from the town center – just so he has some crooks to chase.

This simply storyline was considered too controversial by East Germany's authorities and the film was banned. Its premiere may have come 43 years too late, but as German film buffs will tell you: it's better late than never.

Author: ca/dpa
Editor: Michael Lawton