For many Americans, especially those under the age of 30, the Berlin Wall is a chapter in history that they may or may not learn much about in their schooling. Sure, you’ve heard of the Berlin Wall. You may have even seen some of the famous speeches about the structure, specifically delivered by President Ronald Reagan. But the story behind the structure, the violence it caused, and the hatred it inspired are lost on many Americans. That’s the idea that drives the new documentary, “The American Sector.”
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The upcoming doc is on the brink of its world premiere at this year’s Berlin Film Festival, and in honor of that event, we’re thrilled to give our readers an exclusive look at the trailer for “The American Sector.” The film tells the story of dozens of pieces of the Berlin Wall that have made their way to the United States over the last 30 years. Some are monuments that are revered. Others are concrete slabs that are ignored by folks that don’t understand the history behind them. No matter what, each has a story.
And in the trailer, it’s clear that the pieces themselves are the story. With “Unchained Melody” playing in the background, you are confronted with various pieces of the Berlin Wall in their new American home. Just in the quick clip, you’re able to see the stark contrast between how certain pieces are held in high regard while others are just in the background while a parade is going on.
The documentary is directed by the duo of Courtney Stephens and Pacho Velez. For Stephens, this film marks the filmmaker’s feature-length directorial debut. Velez, on the other hand, has previously helmed documentaries such as “Manakamana” and “The Reagan Show.”
“The American Sector” is set to premiere later this week at the Berlin Film Festival.
Here’s the synopsis:
The American Sector takes viewers on a fractured road trip, encountering panels of The Berlin Wall that have been installed as public monuments throughout the United States. Visiting over forty sites, the film weaves together the stories people tell about these imported monoliths, capturing how artifacts bond the past and the present.