The term “marriage of convenience” is usually associated with the exchange of a marriage certificate for money in order to grant somebody right of residence. Love is not in the equation unless it appears unexpectedly. Such marriages of convenience were of use to many GDR citizens, who prior to reunification would use their marriages to partners in the West in order to leave their socialist homeland behind. Under the guise of family reunion, this was frequently the only option for those who did not want to risk a life-threatening jump over the Wall or rely on the frequently untrustworthy escape aid organizations.

Directors: Cornelia Klauß, Gunter Hanfgarn
Cinematographer: Martin Baer
Editor: Ulrich Sackenreuter
Sound: Tanja Schotola
Commissioning editor: Hannelore Schäfer
Producer: Gunter Hanfgarn
Channel: NDR