In 1970 and 1971, two films were made in Kassel-Wehlheiden, addressing the struggles for housing and a place in the social fabric of Kassel. Reforms to the prison system enabled the film collective Arbeitskreis Film to gain access to Kassel-Wehlheiden Correctional Facility. The inmates operate the camera themselves, discuss rehabilitation within the correctional system, and talk about their daily work behind bars. The result is an unconventional historical document of emancipatory media work in Germany. – In May 1971, students occupy twelve vacant houses in Kassel’s “Belgier” housing estate. Together with social workers, they help large families and homeless people move out of the inhumane barracks of the “Lettenlager” in Forstfeld and into the city centre. One of the Federal Republic of Germany’s first house occupations begins – a fight for the fundamental right to housing and a historic turning point for Kassel. Rare footage shows loud demonstrations on Königsstraße, interviews recount acts of solidarity, the heavy-handed response of the police and the Federal Border Guard, and the detention of protesters in the cells of the former police headquarters at Königstor 31. On July 6, 1971, the police arrive with removal vans. The former residents of the “Lettenlager” are ruthlessly evicted and sent to makeshift shelters or back to the “camp”, while the apartments occupied by students are mostly spared.

Fünf Finger sind eine Faust / Lutz E. Tönnis, Wilfried Geike / Germany 1971/72 / 25:00 Min. / German 

Gefangene filmen ( Strafvollzugsanstalt Kassel) / Kollektiv / Germany 1970 / 34:00 Min. / German