Documentary Film in Berlin: “The Battle for Berlin”
Battle for Berlin: rare Soviet wartime footage uncovered. Language: English. (1978)
“The Unknown War” (1978) is a landmark documentary film resulting from a rare collaboration between the Soviet Union and the United States. Its foundation consists of more than one million meters of archival footage shot by Soviet frontline cameramen — much of it previously unseen by the general public.
The production team brought together prominent figures from both countries. The narration is performed by American actor Burt Lancaster, who later called the project one of the most remarkable in his career. Journalist Harrison E. Salisbury contributed to the film’s conceptual foundation, while producer Isaac Kleiner oversaw artistic direction. Soviet documentary filmmaker Roman Karmen and his team undertook extensive archival research and material selection.
A key focus is the battle for Berlin in the spring of 1945. The film demonstrates how Soviet forces struggled toward the city center as Nazi leadership mobilized its final reserves. Civilian militias, including teenagers aged 14–15, were forced to fight. Meanwhile, Hitler, Goebbels, Göring and other high-ranking officials hid in a bunker as the situation collapsed.
Combining archival visuals, commentary and analytical context, the film provides a compelling perspective on the final stage of World War II.
Production: USSR / USA
Language: English
Year: 1978
Age rating: 12+
“The Unknown War” (1978) is a landmark documentary film resulting from a rare collaboration between the Soviet Union and the United States. Its foundation consists of more than one million meters of archival footage shot by Soviet frontline cameramen — much of it previously unseen by the general public.
The production team brought together prominent figures from both countries. The narration is performed by American actor Burt Lancaster, who later called the project one of the most remarkable in his career. Journalist Harrison E. Salisbury contributed to the film’s conceptual foundation, while producer Isaac Kleiner oversaw artistic direction. Soviet documentary filmmaker Roman Karmen and his team undertook extensive archival research and material selection.
A key focus is the battle for Berlin in the spring of 1945. The film demonstrates how Soviet forces struggled toward the city center as Nazi leadership mobilized its final reserves. Civilian militias, including teenagers aged 14–15, were forced to fight. Meanwhile, Hitler, Goebbels, Göring and other high-ranking officials hid in a bunker as the situation collapsed.
Combining archival visuals, commentary and analytical context, the film provides a compelling perspective on the final stage of World War II.
Production: USSR / USA
Language: English
Year: 1978
Age rating: 12+
Tags: Battle of Berlin film , documentary Battle of Berlin , Battle of Berlin 2026 , film premiere Berlin , Russian cinema in Germany , Russian films in Berlin , European documentary film , Battle of Berlin screening , Russian cinema in Europe , Berlin cinema 2026 , cultural events Berlin , Russian film screenings , Russian directors Germany , Berlin cinema show , documentary film festival Berlin , Berlin events 2026 , film premieres Germany , Battle of Berlin documentary , World War II films , war chronicle documentary , cinema Europe 2026 , Russian culture Germany , Berlin movie guide , Russian film screening , Russian cinema Europe , documentary Berlin
| Date: | 06.05.2026 |
| Time: | 19:00 |
| Venue: | Russisches Haus Berlin |
| Address: | Friedrichstraße 176, 10117 Berlin |
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| Бесплатный билет | |
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