Sun Seekers

Sun Seekers German Sonnensucher is an East German film, directed by Konrad Wolf during 1958. It was banned and subsequently released only in 1972.

Konrad Wolf conceived the film during the early stage of the Khrushchev Thaw, when the political climate seemed to be liberalizing. The script was inspired by the real conditions of Wismut thousands of prostitutes were arrested and forced to work in the mines during the late 1940s, while many other miners were former servicemen of the Wehrmacht, the SS or exmembers of the Nazi Party.The film was intended to be ready for release already in 1958, but the DEFA Commission and functionaries in the Ministry of Culture disapproved of the negative portrayal of party boss Weihrauch and the less than pristine conduct of the workers. The films supporters pointed out its committed SocialistRealist narrative, its positive depiction of SovietGerman cooperation and its artistic merits actor Erwin Geschonneck used his influence to promote it. OnJune 1959, after many deliberations, Sun Seekers was shown to the entire Politburo, including Walter Ulbricht. Although they requested to make several alterations, the members praised the film. It was authorized to be released onOctober. ........

Source: Wikipedia