SHORT TAKES : E. Germans to See Banned Films

Twenty-five years ago, East Germany’s Communist leaders agreed to stop the East German people from seeing 12 of the best films made in the country.

Now the films are finally coming to light.

The films were banned after the 11th Central Committee meeting in December, 1965, which decreed that any film which did not show “socialist achievements” in a favorable light would be banished from the public eye.

The denounced films attempted to hold a critical mirror to the East German society that was then coming to terms with living under the shadow of the Berlin Wall. They tackled such unorthodox topics of youthful rebellion, extramarital relations and nonconformist ways of life.

One of the first victims of the ban was “Karla,” a film depicting a newly qualified, idealistic and eager high school teacher who soon discovers that school authorities frown on the free exchange of views she encourages among her pupils. After sitting on a shelf for 25 years, “Karla” is to be released in Eastern Europe later this year.

Also due for release is “Traces of Stone,” the story of a construction engineer and an independent-minded new party secretary who fights against rigidity and dogmatism of party officials.