Advertising for change

Movie night and panel discussion

The infrastructure measures initiated from 1950 onwards as part of the so-called “Emsland Plan” brought about far-reaching changes for nature and the rural environment. In order to help the reform program to be implemented on a broad social basis, Emsland GmbH, which was entrusted with the implementation and coordination of the measures, relied on various media campaigns as part of its public relations work. Books and exhibitions were not the only means of documenting the progress of the development measures; from the very beginning, the company also made use of the mass cultural impact of the medium of film. Even in the first phase of the Emsland Plan, at the beginning of the 1950s, film productions were made – some of them commissioned by the state – to emphasize the need for change. The best-known works, which primarily focused on the economic benefits of the cultivation work, include the film reports “Moordämmerung” (1952) and “Ödland ist Luxus” (1956), directed by Hans Weiszbach.

Following the screening, experts from the fields of film studies, history and regional development will analyze the films stylistically and historically and place them in the context of the Emsland Plan.

Location: Kunstzentrum Koppelschleuse inner courtyard

Time: 8 pm

Admission: 5 € in advance at ticket-meppen.de

Organizer: Kulturnetzwerk Koppelschleuse in cooperation with the Stadtmuseum Meppen