Love, Deutschmarks and Death

Between 1955 and 1973, there was a work programme in West Germany that recruited temporary workers from southern and eastern Europe. Among the largest group of these workers were the Turks. Physically demanding work in often poor conditions, a racist and xenophobic environment, and homesickness gave rise to a specific musical scene, where the themes of the songs were drawn from the lives of migrant workers. The film traces the history and music of this subculture against the backdrop of political events – from folk ballads to rock protest songs. (Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival)