The Book City Leipzig in Self-Images

A historical trade show film on various folding and stapling machines which are shown in action and explained in abundant detail, featuring exterior views of the factory in Plagwitz.

The company and details of its machinery are presented. A montage from two different sources on the title, one of them tinted fragments, the other well-preserved black-and-white footage.

Telling stories without being able to use language. A silent homage to reading with expressive images. Young, old, poor, rich – everyone is transported to other worlds.

The 1971 Book Fair, from the initial idea to the opening and award ceremonies. Lotte Thiel, one of the few female directors of her time, captures everything for DEFA.

This film, substantiated by facts and figures, was shot in 1971 to mark the Book Art Fair and intended to demonstrate the significance of reading in the GDR by books, readers, and images.

Leipzig’s tradition as a city of books, polygraphic firms, publishing houses and, last but not least, the Book Fair and its audience are captured by one of the few private filmmakers.

Modern sound, image composition and montage show the spectrum of the 1982 Book Fair, combined with colour and black-and-white footage of its venue, Leipzig.

According to this black-and-white advertising spot, Buchhaus Leipzig delivers the latest books of every kind quickly and at any time to young people living in rural areas. Guaranteed!

This short report demonstrates once again that the GDR is the “land of books,” depicting the processes at Buchhaus Leipzig from order to shipping.

Order more than the occasional book and even join the “Buchclub 65”, and you will be rewarded with the club magazine and the main recommendation book. Promoting customer loyalty in the analogue age.