Jury special: Film screening IN A COUNTRY THAT NO LONGER EXISTS

IN A COUNTRY THAT NO LONGER EXISTS by Aelrun Goette (D 2022, 101 min)

In the summer of 1989, Suzie (Marlene Burow) drops out of school shortly before her A-levels. Instead of studying, she now has to prove herself as a worker in socialist production. A chance photo unexpectedly opens the door to the glamorous world of fashion at VEB Exquisit and the fashion magazine "Sibylle". Suzie also immerses herself in the dazzling subculture of the East Berlin underground, where the flamboyant Rudi (Sabin Tambrea) teaches her how to 'walk upright' in every respect. She falls in love with the rebellious photographer Coyote (David Schütter) and experiences the freedom she has always dreamed of. But everything comes at a price: what is it worth to Suzie to live her dream?

AELRUN GOETTE

Screenwriter and director, was discovered on the street as a "mannequin" in the 80s, modeled, was on the cover of "Sibylle" and stood in front of the camera for the well-known photographers of the GDR. In 1990, she graduated from high school, first studied philosophy at Humboldt University in Berlin and later directing at the Babelsberg Film Academy. In between, she worked as an actress, costume designer, theater director, prison assistant and much more. IN EINEM LAND, DAS ES NICHT MEHR GIBT is based on her life.