KUMU DOC : PÖFF

Inside Prora

Local title
Prora
Director
Nico Weber
Country
Germany
Year
2020
Programme
Kumu Documentary
Subject
history, architecture

Known as the “Monster by the Sea” and the “Colossus of Rügen”, at 4.5 kilometres Prora is thought to be the longest building in the world. It was planned as a seaside resort during the National Socialist era, transformed after the Second World War into one of the largest barracks in the GDR, and long abandoned after the reunification of Germany. Nowadays, hotels and holiday flats are emerging in the heritage-listed building on one of Germany's most beautiful beaches.

The film explores the complex and reveals its various historical, architectural and psychological layers. Inside Prora makes surprising connections between this building and people, societies, modern architecture and the phenomenon of mass tourism. The film travels through space and time, but always returns to Prora. In stunning present-day and historical images, the director describes how the idea of Prora originated directly from examples in Italy, and establishes references to skyscraper architecture in New York.

The film night is organised in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Estland. Introduction by Robert Treufeldt.

Director
Nico Weber
Production
NOW Collective
Runtime
Language
German, English
Trailer