Documentary highlights German-American relations in the Eifel

Published Feb. 22, 2010
By 2nd Lt. Kathleen Polesnak
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Germans and Americans gathered Friday to watch the debut of a documentary about German-American relations in the Eifel. "Spangdahlem, Bitburg and the Base" highlights the history and partnership shared by Spangdahlem Air Base and local surrounding communities since World War II.

The Spangdahlem Host Nation Council sponsored the film to help inform both Germans and Americans about the ongoing relationship between the two cultures. Dr. Michael Dietzsch, Host Nation Council chairman, sees this film as a bridge between the two cultures.

"We have realized that the presence of not only military power is of great importance, but also the friendship, which has been achieved between the Germans and the Americans within the last 60 years," Dr. Dietzsch said.

The film includes footage of base operations, on- and off-base events, as well as personal stories from Americans and Germans alike. Col. Tip Wight, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, attended the film debut, along with other wing leadership and Airmen from the base.

"One of the things we stress is being good ambassadors to our host nation partners and allies and this is an absolute perfect example of that partnership," Colonel Wight said. "The Americans and Germans have been intertwined ever since World War II, and have partnered in peace as allies and as friends. We see that in this film where there are marriages between the Americans and the Germans, many events and the symbiotic relationship between the towns and the base itself."

Hansjuergen Hilgert, director and producer of the film, said working on this film was special because it took place right in his own backyard.

"It was close to where I am living - only 30 minutes away - so this was a great opportunity to go there very often and get in contact very close with these people who live and work on the base and with the Germans in the villages," Mr. Hilgert said. "It was very special and gave me the opportunity to come close to the subject."

As for the debut, Mr. Hilgert was pleased to get immediate feedback for his work.

"For me, as a filmmaker mostly working for television, the audience is very anonymous and I very seldom get in touch with them," he said. "This was a great opportunity to get direct feedback. I was very happy that the emotions from the film went right to the audience at once."

And those emotions were apparently seen and felt by those who attended.

"I really think it symbolizes the depth of the feelings between the two nations, between the two cultures," Colonel Wight said. "It shows some unique American culture and it shows some unique German culture, and it shows how they mix and intertwine. I think, almost on an emotional level, it underscores that partnership and really gives the sense that we're part of something bigger than just living next to another person - it's really a true partnership."