A socialist story of "atoms for peace" and compulsory labor in an East German uranium mine under Soviet control.
Direction
Konrad Wolf's documentary-style realism, shot on location in actual uranium mines.
Writing
Banned for decades; the script dared to criticize Soviet occupation openly.
Director
Konrad Wolf
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot in 1958 but banned until 1972—East German authorities panicked at its criticism of Soviet uranium mining. Director Konrad Wolf was the son of a famous communist writer, which probably saved his career.
The Wismut uranium mines depicted here supplied Soviet nuclear programs; thousands of forced laborers died from radiation exposure, a suppressed history this film dared to surface.
XG
