Kolkata-born filmmaker Abhiroop Banerjee's documentary, “Beyond the Berlin Wall – Reports from Stasi Prisoners”, has won Best Documentary Feature at the 2025 Berlin Independent Film Festival. Set 35 years after the Berlin Wall's fall, it captures the stories of three former political prisoners who recall their experiences of interrogation and state surveillance in East Berlin’s Stasi prison.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Abhiroop discusses Beyond the Berlin Wall, his exploration of Stasi prisoners' stories, the evolution of documentary filmmaking on digital platforms, and more.
1) What inspired you to explore the stories of Stasi prisoners in Beyond the Berlin Wall?
Honestly, I had no idea this film would take shape until I visited Hohenschönhausen prison, where my professor had once been an inmate. What started as a simple semester project quickly became something much more significant. Halfway through filming the interviews, I realized these stories were too important not to share. The personal accounts themselves became my biggest inspiration—driving me to complete the film and ensure these voices are heard, especially by today’s generation. While many know about the GDR and the Stasi, hearing first-hand from former prisoners makes their experiences feel far more raw and real.
2) What does winning this award mean to you personally and professionally, and how do you think it will shape your future projects?
It's surreal, honestly—especially since this is the first feature-length documentary I’ve been a part of. Being selected for a festival, let alone winning an award, is a huge milestone for me. I owe a great deal to my professor and co-director, Mr Matthias Leupold, for connecting us with the right people, guiding us through post-production, and even taking us on a tour of the former prison. Professionally, this film has been a major learning experience—I now understand the do’s and don’ts of documentary filmmaking. Personally, hearing our interviewees' stories was a powerful reminder that no matter what life throws at us, resilience is everything.
3) With the growing South Asian diaspora in Europe, do you think there's space for more collaborative storytelling that bridges South Asian and European histories?
I never truly realised the presence of South Asians in Europe until I moved to Berlin. While the focus is often on moving to the US, the South Asian community in Europe remains largely overlooked. We need more stories that bridge our cultures and showcase what life here is really like. Europe can be just as exciting and fulfilling, and it’s time people saw that.
4) Documentary filmmaking is evolving with digital platforms. How do you see the future of documentary films, especially in South Asia?
The future of documentary filmmaking in South Asia looks dynamic and promising, driven by digital platforms, technological advancements, and a growing appetite for real, impactful storytelling. With rising demand for authentic, high-quality documentaries, South Asia’s rich cultural diversity and complex socio-political landscape provide endless storytelling opportunities.
5) What advice would you give to aspiring South Asian filmmakers?
Create, create, create! There’s no greater joy than bringing a film, a song, or any form of art to life. Learn to express yourself through creativity, and most importantly, never give up. There will be moments—even after success—when it feels like things aren’t working. But in the end, it’s not about success; it’s about the passion for creating.
