Experience Trace of Stones, an intense and accomplished political drama directed by Frank Beyer, one of East Germany’s most talented filmmakers. This film, infamous for being pulled from theatres due to its supposedly anti-socialist themes, offers a nuanced exploration of socialism in practice within the German Democratic Republic.

The story centers on Hannes Balla (Manfred Krug), the bullish leader of an East German worksite crew who uses questionable tactics, including theft of scarce materials, to keep projects on track. To control Balla, the ruling Socialist Unity Party installs Secretary Werner Horrath (Eberhard Esche). Tensions escalate with the arrival of Kati Klee (Krystyna Stypułkowska), a lone female engineer, sparking a love triangle between the three central figures. Perceived as an attack on the GDR’s national ideology, the film was withdrawn from cinemas in 1966 and suppressed until after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

• 1080p HD presentation from a restoration by the DEFA Foundation.
• Original German audio with newly revised optional English subtitles.
• Includes substantial archival documentary: The 11th Plenum: A Cultural Devastation.
• Directed by Frank Beyer, featuring actors Manfred Krug, Krystyna Stypułkowska, and Eberhard Esche.

This Masters of Cinema Series release is a Limited Edition of 2,000 copies and includes:

• Limited edition O-card slipcase featuring new artwork by Carly A-F.
• Limited edition booklet featuring a new essay on the response of East German audiences to the banning of Trace of Stones by DEFA expert Michael Wedel.

• Format: Blu-ray
• Language: German
• Runtime: 2 hours and 19 minutes
• Age Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
• Director: Frank Beyer
• Actors: Manfred KRUG, Krystyna STYPUŁKOWSKA, Eberhard ESCHE
• Release Date: 18 May 2026

Available on Blu-ray for the first time, this extraordinary film offers a vital look into the political and personal conflicts within the GDR.