Einer vom Rummel

"I am me". This slogan is emblazoned in large letters on Ben's denim jacket. The 18-year-old works for his uncle on the fairground and leads a carefree life. But does he know who the "I" on his jacket is? Has he found himself? A scandal triggers his escape from the colorful world of the fair and Ben asks himself how and where he wants to live. Loosely based on a coming-of-age story by Harry Falkenhayn, EINER VOM RUMMEL was the first and only DEFA feature by director Lothar Großmann. The lead was played by Dirk Nawrocki (1958-1994), who had worked for Frank Castorf at the Theater Anklam, in his first major film role. After Nawrocki and co-star Renate Krößner (Solo Sunny) left the GDR, the film was only rarely shown from the mid-1980s on. We remember the actor, who died of AIDS far too early, on June 4th 30 years ago. (Philip Zengel)