HOPE MEDIEN Film- und Fernsehproduktion

2024, 95 min
by Petra Hoffmann

On July 19, 1979, the Sandinista People’s Revolution in Nicaragua overthrew the brutal dictator Somoza and made the world dream. The construction of a new, more social and just society “between the blocks” seemed possible. Tens of thousands from all over the world travel to the small Central American country to support the young government and rebuild the plundered country.From what was then West Germany alone, over 15,000 supporters made their way to the small Central American country. In international brigades, they harvested coffee and cotton, built schools, kindergartens and health centers to rebuild the maltreated country. The purchase of “Nica coffee” becomes a symbol of international solidarity with the country. The Contra, which is supported by Somoza supporters and the USA, attempts to overthrow the revolution and restore the old balance of power. The civil war costs the lives of 50,000 Nicarguans and German “reconstruction helpers” are also kidnapped and killed by the Contra in the 1980s.And then the unbelievable happens: in April 2018, students protested against the former revolutionary hero and current president Daniel Ortega. Over 400 people were shot dead by paramilitaries. The country sinks into a bloodbath. Ortega’s international supporters are also increasingly being targeted. They have been collecting money for projects in Nicaragua for 45 years. Today, they fear for their lives and are fleeing the country. Those who remain no longer dare to raise their voices against the former revolutionary hero.

Germany 2011, 26 min
by Petra Hoffmann

In a country that could be paradise, Karachi seems to be hell. To the south: the sea. To the north: the spectacular Karakorum mountains. In between the two: desert and a mixture of ancient cultures. But death, the taliban, attacks, gangs, bombs, guerrilla warfare and tribal fights are daily routine. Every day the Pakistanian hell causes endless suffering. Land and the people are wounded. Poverty is beyond words. For the people here, Hanne Glody (87) is a blessing. One brave old lady who comes to Pakistan two times a year. This is remarkable. For years now, she has been trying to interest other humanitarian organisations for the suffering of the people in Pakistan. Yet no one else dares to help, as fear of the Taliban is omnipresent. In illegal Afghan camps, that are hidden in the desert Hanne Glodny builds schools, provides medical attandance for the so called "haris", establishes hospitals and works at the leprosarium in Karachi.