Old currency - DDR-Mark returns to Dresden Film Nights - Premiere
Owners of East German money can now use it once again at an event in Dresden - during the Film Nights at the Elbe Riverbank. For the premiere of the comedy "Two to One" by Natja Brunckhorst, there is beer, wine, and a refreshing drink available for East Mark as well. However, one has to dig deep into the East German wallet for it. A drink costs 20 Marks, which corresponds to a conversion rate of 1 to 4 - four East German Marks for one Euro.
In the comedy, with well-known actresses and actors like Sandra Hüller, Martin Brambach, Ursula Werner, and Max Riemelt, the story revolves around the money of the German Democratic Republic. The film takes place in Halberstadt (Saxony-Anhalt) in the summer of 1990. Maren, Robert, and Volker have known each other since childhood. By chance, they discover a stash of the millions of the DDR, which were hidden there. They smuggle out bags full of money and, with the help of friends and neighbors, develop a system to exchange the now worthless money for goods.
In reality, a tunnel in Halberstadt had become a billion-dollar grave for East German banknotes after the introduction of the Mark in East Germany. They were supposed to rot there. When 200-Mark notes and 500-Mark notes appeared on the collector's market in 2001, which had never circulated - among them were 200-Mark notes and 500-Mark notes -, the authorities became suspicious. The responsible credit institution for reconstruction had the money transported to a waste disposal facility and burned.
- During the film premiere, East German currency, specifically the GDR mark, can be exchanged for drinks with a unique conversion rate of 1:4.
- The comedy "Two to One" delves into the history of the GDR mark and its value, set against the backdrop of Halberstadt in Saxony-Anhalt.
- One could say that Natja Brunckhorst's movie serves as a tribute to the GDR mark, which once held significant value in East Germany before the introduction of the German Mark.
- Interestingly, just like in the movie, real-life events in Halberstadt saw the creation of a 'billion-dollar grave' for unused GDR banknotes after the Mark's introduction.
- For collectors, rare GDR banknotes, such as the 200-Mark and 500-Mark notes, have surfaced on the market, triggering investigations due to their unusual non-circulation.
- Movie nights on the banks of the Elbe in Dresden offer a chance to see the revival of the GDR mark in action, providing an intriguing blend of history and cinema.
- If you're in the mood for an evening out, you can head to Dresden and enjoy a beer or wine using GDR marks, all while watching a captivating movie that touches upon an essential part of Germany's history.
