The legacy of the opening of the Wall and East-West unity
An historical documentary
The opening of the Wall on November 9/10, 1989 marked the end of the Cold War. It not only reunited East and West Berlin but also set in motion the broader unification of Germany and soon after, all of Europe. All of these events are celebrated as a triumph of freedom, democracy and political will.
For Germans who were on the front line of the Cold War, growing together has been highly disruptive and extremely expensive. But despite the challenges, an overwhelming number of Germans in a 2019 Pew Research Center poll say unification was a positive development.
A collection of short stories from thought-provoking witnesses
“Growing Together Again” is an intimate portrait of German unity – and ultimately European identity – three decades after the end of the Cold War. The film describes the experiences and achievements of several notable people in Berlin and eastern Germany who are committed to rebuilding the region and drawing the East and West closer together.
By seeking full inclusion and self-sacrifice, the process of growing together has boosted confidence in the dream of a common European destiny. The experience has also helped Germans and Europeans pull together on major crises like the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. In that sense, growing together has united Europe more than any time in recent memory.
It has taken a great deal of hard work, money and dedication to unite the continent, and most people here want to protect those gains.
