Synopsis

The East of Germany is the subject of many discussions and most people have ready-made conceptions of it. And usually, people in the Eastern part are not asked if these conceptions are true. This ten-part ARTE documentary series will challenge that: In “Bautzen”, a Saxonian city close to the Czech border, we are following the average citizen: young people, artisans, seniors, immigrants, regional politicians and reporters for several months, allowing us to gather real insights into their life. What really moves the inhabitants of Bautzen? What makes them happy and what are their worries? What is the social climate there? How do they want to be perceived and how do they perceive themselves? Through careful observation, a multifaceted portrait of a city emerges, showing a town that is struggling with its image as a stronghold of the far-right in Eastern Germany.