“Elektro Osten” – the documentary about the techno scene in Central Germany

In the photo: The DJ duo Lexy and K-Paul at the Sputnik Spring Break 2022.

From the raving society to the mainstream sound: The documentary “Elektro Osten” shows how techno conquered the region and how diverse the scene in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia has developed.

The MDR-Documentary is part of the ARD series “Techno House Germany” and can be seen from July 29th in the ARD Mediathek and on July 31st from 23.40 p.m. on Das Erste.

Ravers from all over Germany are heading to the east again this year to celebrate techno at festivals – and techno clubs from the region are also known far beyond Central Germany’s borders.

A musical triumph that nobody could have imagined 30 years ago. In two episodes, "Elektro Osten" delves into the history and development of a new cultural landscape, lets influential figures reminisce and takes a look at the local festival landscape.

DJs such as Mira, Robag Wruhme and Matthias Tanzmann as well as regional organizers and big names in the scene have their say.

"Everything was open, you just had to walk in, set up your equipment and have a party," remembers DJ Mira of the 1990s in East Germany. The first electronic music parties were sometimes illegal and seemed improvised.

"Lost places" are being used – be it an old factory or an abandoned munitions depot. Electronic music is becoming the soundtrack of a new feeling of freedom and Star DJs from all over the world are celebrating this spirit of optimism. Over time, parties become party series, festivals, and clubs.

The Muna in Bad Klosterlausnitz, the Distillery in Leipzig, the Kassablanca in Jena and the legendary Achtermai in Chemnitz are founded. The first episode of "Elektro Osten" is dedicated to exactly this time and lets the people who were part of the early techno development tell their stories.

"Techno is a matter of course. It is pop culture. Techno is no longer a raving society, as it was in the 90s. It has arrived in the here and now. It is simply part of it," says Thomas Sperling from Kassablanca in Jena, summarizing the development.

With the techno sound, a colourful festival scene is also establishing itself in Central Germany: In addition to large festivals such as SonneMondSterne, the Sputnik Spring Break or Melt, smaller venues like Escape to Olganitz, formerly Nachtdigital, invite you to dance.

In the second episode, organizers tell the story of their festivals, which were often only possible thanks to the close ties within the techno family.

The MDR documentary "Elektro Osten" is part of the eight-part ARD series "Techno House Germany". HR, in cooperation with RBB, SWR and MDR, created portraits and declarations of love for their regional techno scenes.

This provides a diverse view of the many facets of techno in Germany. All episodes can be seen from July 29th in the ARD Mediathek and on July 31st from 23.40 p.m. on Das Erste.

© Photo: MDR, Nico Wöhrle