The Red Elvis: A look at Dean Reed in the Campus Cinema Berlin!

The Red Elvis: A look at Dean Reed in the Campus Cinema Berlin!

A special cinematic journey into the past will be offered in the heart of Berlin on August 12, 2025 from 7:30 p.m. The Federal Archives is hosting an open-air event in the former Stasi headquarters on Ruschestrasse that delves into the fascinating but tragic story of Dean Reed. The American musician, who rose to fame in the GDR in the 1970s, is honored in a documentary that sheds light on his political beliefs, career and tragic fate.

The artistic work with a running time of 88 minutes is entitled “The Red Elvis” and was directed by Leopold Grün. As part of the event, there will not only be a film screening, but also the opportunity to exchange ideas with the director and experts from the Federal Archives. Before the film, a tour entitled “Dean Reed in the Mirror of the Stasi Documents” begins at 6 p.m., for which registration is required. This allows those interested to delve deeper into the subject matter and develop a personal connection to the topics raised.

Campus cinema: films with history

The event is part of the new campus cinema project, which will show films about the GDR past on various evenings at the Stasi headquarters until the end of August 2025. Loud Reprocessing Berlin The first evening is linked to a feature film from 2017 that deals with the challenges and magic of childhood in the GDR. “A Boomerang for Fred” focuses on ten-year-old friends Jonas and Fred, who develop a desperate plan to escape their reality. The film not only deals with friendship, but also with the great influence of political conditions on the lives of young people in the GDR.

The series of events is led by Dr. Gerhard Sälter moderates and also attracts many experts, including contemporary witnesses, who are willing to share their experiences. This mix of films and lively debates offers a rare insight into the GDR's complex past and the Stasi's influence on daily life. “Stasi FC” and “The Architects” are just a few of the other films that will be shown during the campus cinema, ensuring a varied program for everyone interested.

Free entry and other highlights

Another advantage of the campus cinema is admission, which is free for all films. Visitors can look forward to experiencing old and new works that deal with the GDR. There will also be a film discussion with author Anne Hahn, moderated by Wolfgang Porsche from radioeins, which should stimulate future discussions. Loud rbb24 Special attention has been paid to cultural debates in order to process the past and bring it into the present.

The Stasi headquarters itself becomes the scene of the confrontation with dictatorship and democracy and thus invites you not only to look but also to think. As an ideal location for such a series of events, it also serves as the basis for numerous tours and discussions about the Stasi documents and their significance today. A really exciting project that brings back memories and raises important questions. Mark August 12th on your calendar – it's a date you won't want to miss!