Joachim Hadaschik

A two-part East German documentary tracing Russia’s transformation from the Tsarist Empire to the Soviet Union, from the 1917 October Revolution to the achievements of the space program. Directed by Andrew Thorndike and Annelie Thorndike, the film assembles extensive archival footage to chart political upheaval, ideological consolidation, and technological ambition in twentieth-century Russia. Produced by DEFA and first broadcast on East German television in 1963.

Die Konzessionen des Mister Urquhart (The Concessions of Mr. Urquhart) (1961) is an East German documentary directed by Andrew Thorndike, Annelie Thorndike, and Joachim Hadaschik. Produced by DEFA, the film explores political and economic themes through the lens of Mr. Urquhart’s dealings, likely examining Western economic policies and their global impact. First broadcast on October 15, 1961, on DFF 1, the documentary continues the Thorndikes’ tradition of politically engaged filmmaking.

Erich Honecker visits the Republic of Zambia

Black and white short documentary about the patrol of the EMW radio car "Toni 14" of the Berlin police.

Using some unique documents and pictures, this colour film shows the life and work of Martin Luther in the context of his own time and his relevance to our time. Most of the places associated with Luther, the great Reformer and translator of the Bible, are in the GDR. Thousands upon thousands of tourists visit these places every year and learn how his legacy is kept alive and how it is protected today and for the future.

Using documentary material and the testimony of convicted agents, the film attempts to prove that the West Berlin "Kampfgruppe gegen Unmenschlichkeit" was an espionage and sabotage organization. As a militant and anti-communist organization, the KgU supported the resistance against the SED government in the GDR from its founding in 1948 until its dissolution in 1959 and, among other things, founded a tracing service for Western citizens deported to the Soviet occupation zone.

A film following a delegation from the GDR as they visit Cuba, accompanied by Fidel Castro.