The Heidefriedhof Cemetery, Dresden: interpreting disputed wartime memories and loss

CRIC historian, Matthias Neutzner looks at the creation of a symbolic site of wartime trauma and loss and the political manipulation of commemoration ceremonies held there. The Heidefriedhof is Dresden's main municipal cemetery and memorial for those who died in World War II. CRIC research examines Heidefriedhof's role during GDR times and after reunification in the political legitimisation of post-war memories . The presence of Neo-Nazis, and counter groups at civic ceremonies over the last decade are discussed as an extreme illustration of the way attempts can be made to establish political claims to symbolic sites. This biography of Heidefreidhof is part of wider CRIC research in Dresden investigating how the city's post- war reconstruction since 1945 has been negotiated and the local and national impact of commemorative practices marking the 13th February bombing of Dresden.
For another Matthias Neutzner's research presentation at Cambridge University go to:vimeo.com/3373...
CREDITS:
Editing: Barbara Lubich
Camera: Barbara Lubich and Ralf Jakubski
Sound :Michael Sommermeyer
Animation : Prosper Unger-Hamilton
For further information on on CRIC Dresden go to:www.cric.arch.c...
The CRIC Research project is funded by the European Commission within the Seventh Framework Programme.
© Film CRIC research project.

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Useful and enlightening work.