FREE TO ROCK - HOW ROCK'N ROLL HELPED END THE COLD WAR is a documentary by four-time Emmy winner Jim Brown, made over a twelve-year period.

This unique film shows how the power of rock'n roll music contributed to the end of the Soviet Union and the Cold War without bloodshed – despite all attempts to ban this type of music. The film shows the most important politicians, musicians and activists in this drama from real life. For example, the film features Jimmy Carter and Mikhail Gorbachev, as well as performances by Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Billy Joel, Metallica, Scorpions, Beach Boys, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen. The film demonstrates what »soft diplomacy« can do.

The film is shown in its original version and lasts 60 minutes. After the screening there will be a talk with film producer Doug Yeager and former diplomat Peter Claussen at the U.S. Embassy in East Berlin. The discussion will be moderated by journalist Peter Dollé.

The event will take place in English.

Organization / Institution

ZKM | Center for Art and Media and the Embassy of the United States of America