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Als Winnetou in den Norden kam

NDR | Unsere Geschichte | 1  ×  45 min | 19.09.2020

For 250 million years, the Chalk Mountain has been looming over the north German forest and lake district. A massive constant through the ages. Emperor Lothar, Joseph Goebbels and Pierre Brice – they have all fought their battles beneath this breath-taking natural monument. Whether stone quarry, gold mine or boxing ring – the town has been living off its chalk rock for centuries and it often saved the town in times of dire need. The mountain’s spell remains unbroken: to this day, it attracts musician such as Peter Maffay and the rapper Cro, and in the winter more than 20,000 bats are magically drawn to it.

Childhood dreams come to life beneath the Chalk Mountain. For the past 65 years, the Karl May Festival has been transforming the far north of Germany into the Wild West: more than 11.5 million people have now watched the 3,500 or so performances in the world-famous open-air theatre of Bad Segeberg. During the big anniversary season, “Our History” takes an exclusive look behind the scenes of the dream factory, showing the impressive natural backdrop in spectacular aerial shots and documenting the true fairy-tale behind the theatre festival: the fabulous transformation of a vague notion into the “Winnetou economic miracle” in Bad Segeberg. What started off on a very small scale in 1952 is today a mega event turning over millions.

Rarely shown footage from the archives, sophisticated animations and prominent contemporary witnesses bring to life the spirit of the individual decades for “Our History”. “When Winnetou came to the North” looks back at the most valiant heroes, the most radiant beauties and the biggest disasters in 65 years of the Karl May Festival. A reunion with the heroes of one’s own childhood  – Winnetou, Old Shatterhand, Kara Ben Nemsi and many more beyond.

For half a year, the documentary has followed star actors like Susan Sideropolous, Till Demtrøder and Jan Sosniok as well as the Segeberg neighbours at close quarters during the 65th season – from the first rehearsals, through 72 exhausting performances, to the triumphant finale with its record-breaking audience.

Team

  • Timo Gramer

    Script/Director

  • Robert Engelke

    Camera

  • Ulf Mahn

    Camera

  • Frank Gautier

    Sound

  • Johan Nilsson

    Editor

  • Sigrid Sveistrup

    Editor

  • Max Heusmann

    Line Producer

  • Anne Kötterheinrich

    Executive Producer

  • Marc Brasse

    Editor NDR

  • Tim Carlberg

    line producer NDR

  • stodt GmbH

    Graphics