DEFA at 80: Potsdam Film Museum's 'Schwindelbude' Exhibition
The Filmmuseum Potsdam is marking the 80th anniversary of DEFA, the former East German state film studio, with an exhibition titled 'Ohne Frühstück. Ohne Diskussion' (Without Breakfast. Without Discussion). The show takes an unconventional approach to reviewing DEFA's legacy, offering a 'reality check' of a cinema that was both constrained and aspiring to lightness. A central feature is a booth named 'Schwindelbude' (swindle booth), a term used by DEFA employees to describe their workplace at the Babelsberg Studios. The nickname reflected the amused disbelief of pragmatic craftsmen and technicians who maintained an inner distance from the films they produced. The exhibition includes excerpts from productions that were atypical for DEFA, serving escapism and entertainment. The show is curated by Gerhard Midding and is currently on view at the Filmmuseum Potsdam.
Key facts
- The exhibition is held at the Filmmuseum Potsdam.
- It marks the 80th anniversary of DEFA.
- The exhibition is titled 'Ohne Frühstück. Ohne Diskussion'.
- A booth called 'Schwindelbude' is a central element.
- 'Schwindelbude' was a nickname used by DEFA employees for their workplace in Babelsberg.
- The exhibition includes excerpts from atypical DEFA productions.
- The show offers a 'reality check' of DEFA's cinema.
- The exhibition is curated by Gerhard Midding.
Entities
Artists
- Gerhard Midding
Institutions
- Filmmuseum Potsdam
- DEFA
- Babelsberg Studios
Locations
- Potsdam
- Germany