Seventy-five years ago, the founding of two separate states, the GDR and the BRD, created a historically unique twin experiment. Two German states were “separated at birth” and reunited 40 years later. However, the people were no longer the same as they once were. Even today, their descendants experience how the divided experiences during Germany’s separation have led to differences between the former East and West. We delve into these differences by traveling back in time to the moment in history when the development of the German population took divergent paths.

Our four-part documentary series, directed by Anne Heimerl, brings together, in open conversations, two individuals from the post-reunification generation, who come from different parts of Germany. Together, they share their personal experiences and discuss the similarities and differences that still exist between East and West. Historical archive footage and interviews with experts provide context to these conversations, helping to historically and socially frame these differences.