The Children of Golzow
18 movies · 1962–2008
"The Children of Golzow" is a documentary film collection by German filmmaker Winfried Junge, spanning from 1962 to 2008. The series offers a prolonged observation of the lives of individuals residing in the town of Golzow, Brandenburg. Comprising eighteen films with a total runtime of 2375 minutes, the collection presents a multifaceted and evolving portrait of life in this community over several decades. The films within "The Children of Golzow" take various approaches to their subject matter, ranging from short observational pieces like "Wenn ich erst zur Schule geh" (1962) to longer, more in-depth explorations such as the multi-part "Lebensläufe - Die Geschichte der Kinder von Golzow in einzelnen Portraits" (1981). The collection's extensive duration and varied film lengths reflect a sustained commitment to documenting the personal histories of its subjects. The production for "The Children of Golzow" had a total budget of zero and generated no revenue. The collection as a whole comprises 18 individual films, with the most recent installment, "... dann leben sie noch heute - Die Kinder von Golzow" (2008), having a runtime of 290 minutes.
18Movies
7.7IMDb
39h 35mRuntime
1962–2008Years
Franchise cast
All movies in chronological order
1
Wenn ich erst zur Schule gehSix or seven-year-old children in a kindergarten in Golzow begin their first days of school together. They playfully learn the alphabet while navigating the challenges of wanting things and having to follow rules.0.1
Wenn ich erst zur Schule gehSix or seven-year-old children in a kindergarten in Golzow begin their first days of school together. They playfully learn the alphabet while navigating the challenges of wanting things and having to follow rules.0.12Nach einem Jahr - Beobachtungen in einer ersten KlasseThe story follows the development of a close-knit classroom community, shaped by the children's surroundings, their experiences, and what they learn at school. These elements are woven into their lessons. By the end of the year, they receive their first report cards and become "Young Pioneers."0.6
Nach einem Jahr - Beobachtungen in einer ersten KlasseThe story follows the development of a close-knit classroom community, shaped by the children's surroundings, their experiences, and what they learn at school. These elements are woven into their lessons. By the end of the year, they receive their first report cards and become "Young Pioneers."0.63Elf Jahre altA group of fifth graders pose for a class portrait. They brainstorm filming locations – school, their after-school activities, and their homes. The lessons they learn challenge them, sparking curiosity and expanding their understanding of the world.0.1
Elf Jahre altA group of fifth graders pose for a class portrait. They brainstorm filming locations – school, their after-school activities, and their homes. The lessons they learn challenge them, sparking curiosity and expanding their understanding of the world.0.14
Die PrüfungThe 10th-grade final exams represent a critical moment for students aged sixteen and seventeen, a chance to demonstrate their abilities and identity. It's also a final gathering with classmates before they move on to different paths.1.5
Die PrüfungThe 10th-grade final exams represent a critical moment for students aged sixteen and seventeen, a chance to demonstrate their abilities and identity. It's also a final gathering with classmates before they move on to different paths.1.55Ich sprach mit einem MädchenThe twenty-somethings from their old school reunite. They reflect on their past and share what they've become. Among them is Marieluise, whose love life, career, and expectations for herself and the world are explored.0.2
Ich sprach mit einem MädchenThe twenty-somethings from their old school reunite. They reflect on their past and share what they've become. Among them is Marieluise, whose love life, career, and expectations for herself and the world are explored.0.26
Anmut sparet nicht noch MüheThis film examines life's complexities through a group of friends as they pursue careers, relationships, and personal paths. The story follows them from student life into adulthood, set against the backdrop of post-World War II America. Thirty-five years after the war, the film explores how these people have changed and adjusted to a world finally at peace. Filmed over 18 years, this intimate story encourages viewers to consider their own lives and the circumstances that shape them.0.6
Anmut sparet nicht noch MüheThis film examines life's complexities through a group of friends as they pursue careers, relationships, and personal paths. The story follows them from student life into adulthood, set against the backdrop of post-World War II America. Thirty-five years after the war, the film explores how these people have changed and adjusted to a world finally at peace. Filmed over 18 years, this intimate story encourages viewers to consider their own lives and the circumstances that shape them.0.67
Lebensläufe - Die Geschichte der Kinder von Golzow in einzelnen PortraitsThis film presents nine separate biographical stories, framed by a prologue and epilogue focusing on Golzow and extended observation. It builds upon a previously established narrative, offering contemporary perspectives on the Golzow people alongside flashbacks exploring the personal lives and struggles of each individual.0.1
Lebensläufe - Die Geschichte der Kinder von Golzow in einzelnen PortraitsThis film presents nine separate biographical stories, framed by a prologue and epilogue focusing on Golzow and extended observation. It builds upon a previously established narrative, offering contemporary perspectives on the Golzow people alongside flashbacks exploring the personal lives and struggles of each individual.0.18
Diese Golzower - Umstandsbestimmung eines OrtesFor the 675th anniversary of Golzow, a documentary for East German television presents a portrait of the village, exploring its history, landscape, and agricultural traditions from past to present. The film also includes glimpses into the lives of the older generation and the current experiences of some Golzow natives.0.1
Diese Golzower - Umstandsbestimmung eines OrtesFor the 675th anniversary of Golzow, a documentary for East German television presents a portrait of the village, exploring its history, landscape, and agricultural traditions from past to present. The film also includes glimpses into the lives of the older generation and the current experiences of some Golzow natives.0.19
Drehbuch - Die ZeitenThis is the first film review released after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of East Germany. It follows a reunion of the "children of Golzow" on the first anniversary of German reunification, as they travel to Hamburg together. The film also includes a workshop report detailing the thirty-year history of the Golzow Chronicle from a new German perspective, alongside reflections on the lives of the thirteen individuals who were originally featured in the chronicle – their hopes, fears, and how their lives have changed.0.1
Drehbuch - Die ZeitenThis is the first film review released after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of East Germany. It follows a reunion of the "children of Golzow" on the first anniversary of German reunification, as they travel to Hamburg together. The film also includes a workshop report detailing the thirty-year history of the Golzow Chronicle from a new German perspective, alongside reflections on the lives of the thirteen individuals who were originally featured in the chronicle – their hopes, fears, and how their lives have changed.0.110
Das Leben des Jürgen von GolzowThis film is the first life story of one of the "children of Golzow," continuing beyond the fall of the Berlin Wall. It chronicles the career of the protagonist from the first film, drawing on extensive material from Jürgen, who became a painter and upholsterer and remained in Golzow.0.1
Das Leben des Jürgen von GolzowThis film is the first life story of one of the "children of Golzow," continuing beyond the fall of the Berlin Wall. It chronicles the career of the protagonist from the first film, drawing on extensive material from Jürgen, who became a painter and upholsterer and remained in Golzow.0.111
Da habt ihr mein Leben - Marieluise, Kind von GolzowTwo films explore the diverging lives of former girlfriends – one a draftswoman, the other a chemical lab technician – who grew up in Catholic and Protestant families. Love is central to their stories, mirroring the societal shifts occurring as the GDR dissolves and Germany reunifies.0.1
Da habt ihr mein Leben - Marieluise, Kind von GolzowTwo films explore the diverging lives of former girlfriends – one a draftswoman, the other a chemical lab technician – who grew up in Catholic and Protestant families. Love is central to their stories, mirroring the societal shifts occurring as the GDR dissolves and Germany reunifies.0.112
Was geht euch mein Leben an - Elke, Kind von GolzowTwo interconnected films explore the diverging lives of former girlfriends – one a draftswoman, the other a chemical lab technician – who come from Catholic and Protestant backgrounds. Love is central to their stories, mirroring the societal shifts occurring as the GDR dissolves and Germany reunifies.0.1
Was geht euch mein Leben an - Elke, Kind von GolzowTwo interconnected films explore the diverging lives of former girlfriends – one a draftswoman, the other a chemical lab technician – who come from Catholic and Protestant backgrounds. Love is central to their stories, mirroring the societal shifts occurring as the GDR dissolves and Germany reunifies.0.113
Brigitte und Marcel - Golzower LebenswegeThis is the heartbreaking story of a spirited seventeen-year-old who became a mother, remaining unmarried and working as a poultry farmer. She passed away at 29 from heart failure. The film also follows her son, who after training in Golzow struggles to find factory work and becomes the father of a child with disabilities.0.1
Brigitte und Marcel - Golzower LebenswegeThis is the heartbreaking story of a spirited seventeen-year-old who became a mother, remaining unmarried and working as a poultry farmer. She passed away at 29 from heart failure. The film also follows her son, who after training in Golzow struggles to find factory work and becomes the father of a child with disabilities.0.114
Ein Mensch wie Dieter - GolzowerThis is the story of someone who started as a dropout but ultimately traveled further than anyone else. He became a carpenter, a driven and relentlessly positive person who consistently found the good in any situation life presented him with.0.1
Ein Mensch wie Dieter - GolzowerThis is the story of someone who started as a dropout but ultimately traveled further than anyone else. He became a carpenter, a driven and relentlessly positive person who consistently found the good in any situation life presented him with.0.115
Jochen - Ein Golzower aus PhiladelphiaJochen is the son of a local official who enforced socialist policies in various East German towns: Philadelphia in Brandenburg, Golzow (Oderbruch), and finally Bernau near Berlin. He only attended school in Golzow for a single year before becoming a milkman and later a border guard. He married and now lives in Bernau with his three children. Disillusioned both with the GDR's collapse and with current politics, Jochen feels alienated from all political systems.0.1
Jochen - Ein Golzower aus PhiladelphiaJochen is the son of a local official who enforced socialist policies in various East German towns: Philadelphia in Brandenburg, Golzow (Oderbruch), and finally Bernau near Berlin. He only attended school in Golzow for a single year before becoming a milkman and later a border guard. He married and now lives in Bernau with his three children. Disillusioned both with the GDR's collapse and with current politics, Jochen feels alienated from all political systems.0.116
Eigentlich wollte ich Förster werden - Bernd aus GolzowBernd Oestreich, son of a prominent figure in the Golzow LPG, chose a path outside of rural life and higher education, foregoing a military career. He married and had two daughters, eventually finding work in heavy industry. Now a foreman at Raffinerie AG Schwedt (Oder), he remains as essential to the job as he was at VEB Petrolchemisches Kombinat in East Germany. Despite significant life changes, his daily routine still revolves around working three shifts.0.1
Eigentlich wollte ich Förster werden - Bernd aus GolzowBernd Oestreich, son of a prominent figure in the Golzow LPG, chose a path outside of rural life and higher education, foregoing a military career. He married and had two daughters, eventually finding work in heavy industry. Now a foreman at Raffinerie AG Schwedt (Oder), he remains as essential to the job as he was at VEB Petrolchemisches Kombinat in East Germany. Despite significant life changes, his daily routine still revolves around working three shifts.0.117
Und wenn sie nicht gestorben sind... Die Kinder von Golzow - Das Ende der unendlichen GeschichteThe film follows five former classmates. Two, Ilona and Winfried, were previously featured in the 1980 film. Ilona worked in electronics and later in youth affairs in Frankfurt (Oder), while Winfried was an engineer and commander of a combat unit at a pulp mill in Gröditz (Saxony). He is now temporarily unemployed in Augsburg. The new film also focuses on Jürgen, Petra, and Christian, whose lives the filmmakers had lost track of. Now over 50, Jürgen, initially a painter and upholsterer and currently a transport worker in Manschnow (Oderbruch), and Christian, an agricultural machinery fitter and now a technician at the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau in Berlin, agreed to be filmed.0.6
Und wenn sie nicht gestorben sind... Die Kinder von Golzow - Das Ende der unendlichen GeschichteThe film follows five former classmates. Two, Ilona and Winfried, were previously featured in the 1980 film. Ilona worked in electronics and later in youth affairs in Frankfurt (Oder), while Winfried was an engineer and commander of a combat unit at a pulp mill in Gröditz (Saxony). He is now temporarily unemployed in Augsburg. The new film also focuses on Jürgen, Petra, and Christian, whose lives the filmmakers had lost track of. Now over 50, Jürgen, initially a painter and upholsterer and currently a transport worker in Manschnow (Oderbruch), and Christian, an agricultural machinery fitter and now a technician at the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau in Berlin, agreed to be filmed.0.618... dann leben sie noch heute - Die Kinder von GolzowElke, an unemployed businesswoman in Golzow; Karin, a geriatric nurse in Wuppertal; Marlies Teike, the first teacher of the class; Gudrun, the former mayor of Genschmar; and their father, a longtime LPG chairman of Golzow. In the fourth and final installment of the series following the children of Golzow: agricultural machine fitters Bernhard and Eckhard, and Dr. Manfred Großkopf, managing director of the Landwirtschafts-GmbH Golzow, which evolved from the LPG. His closing remarks depict a reunion of former students at the kindergarten's Buddelkasten on the eve of German reunification's first anniversary. Accompanied by a song from the Golzow school – planning to be called "School of the Children of Golzow" – the film concludes with aerial shots of the Oder River flowing through the plains towards the sea as the camera departs the village.0.1
