The compilation film looks back on four decades of East German film production to mark the 40th anniversary of DEFA. Beginning with the founding event of DEFA on May 17, 1946, it continues with film clips from many test recordings of the first feature films after licensing. Well-known directors, screenwriters, actors and musicians accompany the historical newsreel and feature film excerpts and thus bear witness to the reconstruction work in the early post-war years. A documentary that reflects the diversity of DEFA productions in the film and newsreel sector.