Item 2049 - the bittner case

Video

The “Bittner Case” made headlines across Germany: In June 2004, police officers in the East German city of Cottbus found the decomposed body of six-year old Dennis in the deep freeze in his parents' apartment. Angelika and Falk Bittner, the parents, were arrested and charged with the murder of their son, one of ten children. Film maker Caterina Woj explores the short and painful life of little Dennis, examining an unfolding tragedy long in the making. A tragedy which should have been plain for all to see. For the family's friends, for the neighbours, and for the staff of the child welfare department, responsible for supporting a family unable to cope on its own. Yet Dennis died without anyone noticing. And his death remained unnoticed – for two whole years. For the first time in this film, the Bittners talk in detail about themselves, about Dennis, and about the events which led to his death by starvation. The film revolves around a series of interviews with the parents. Filmed largely in the period during which they were awaiting trial on murder charges, it extensively uses their own statements and responses to questions to explore their backgrounds, personalities, experiences, and attitudes to life, family, and love. It is at once an intense and thoughtful document of human failing and a powerful portrait of contemporary German society.

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• German

Llengua: Alemán

contacto Rosa ovni-archives: Wed, May 16, 2007 2:15 pm en alema subtitulado al ingles

• Catalan

• Latin

copyright: WDR/Caterina Woj Fiilmproduktion