June 5, 2025 | Thursday
On the 8th of May, the world marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, a moment to reflect on the human cost of the deadliest conflict in history and above all on the importance of peace and resilience.
The German Embassy, in cooperation with Europe House organised a film-screening event on this occasion. Trümmermädchen [Germany Year Zero] attracted a big audience at Europe House Pristina.
In his opening remarks at the event, the German ambassador in Kosovo Rhode emphasized the responsibility to honor every victim of World War II, acknowledging not only the suffering under Nazi terror but also the challenges that followed in its wake. More than just a historical date, the end of the war in 1945 shaped the foundations of the modern world: it led to the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the European integration process. In a time of reemerging of global tensions and rising authoritarianism, the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War II stands as a reminder that peace is a choice that we must make and protect every day.
In her opening remarks, Eva Palatova, Deputy Head of EU Office, highlighted the importance of this anniversary, which according to her, “not only marked the conclusion of a devastating global conflict but also laid the foundation for a new European vision based on peace, cooperation and unity. Commemoration is not only about looking back. It is about remembering the cost of division, the fragility of peace, and the strength found in reconciliation. Memory remains the cornerstone of our shared European values,” Ms. Palatova concluded.
The internationally acclaimed movie Trümmermädchen follows Charlotte Schumann, a young woman pregnant by Ludwig, a returning soldier who refuses to acknowledge her or their unborn child. In an attempt to reclaim her life and dignity, Charlotte enrolls in a “Fräuleinkurs” led by Gloria Deven, a former actress banned from performing due to her involvement in fascist propaganda films. While the course ostensibly teaches women how to win over men, Gloria’s true intent is to awaken the participants to their own agency, challenging traditional gender roles and encouraging emancipation. Through intense sessions, the women confront personal traumas and societal expectations, ultimately seeking to redefine their identities in a shattered nation.
By centering the story on Lotte Schumann – a pregnant woman abandoned by her lover and seeking agency in a patriarchal society – the film confronts the aftermath of war not just through rubble and ruin, but through the complex inner lives of women navigating survival, trauma, and empowerment.
The movie with which its director and screenwriter Oliver Kracht was awarded the Thomas Strittmatter Prize at the Berlinale 2019, goes beyond commemorating the end of conflict and examines the social and sexual aftermath for women whose stories have long been marginalized. The film challenges the audience to reflect on the gendered legacy of war and the complex and painful journey from victimhood to self-determination.