The 60th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2005 was a major media event. But the focus was almost exclusively on the events of early 1945, or on the founding of the two German states in 1949. "Living with the Enemy" tells the story of those years in between: 1945 to 1949, which proved to be a decisive period for both Germany and the occupying forces. It was a period of reciprocal impressions and experience for both occupiers and occupied and a period that still fundamentally shapes personal fates, families, the economy, the arts and geopolitics. After 60 years, the time left to ask the eyewitnesses from the 23 nations involved is rapidly running out. This international documentary project allows eyewitnesses from all sides to tell their stories. Combining their carefully selected accounts, from occupiers and occupied alike, the series will create a new, exciting and differentiated view of the time and show that these years not only helped shape present-day Germany, but also had a profound effect on the rest of the world. This period was the beginning of the Cold War. It would influence global politics for decades to come. A new generation of historians with new findings, archives only now accessible, and the willingness of those involved to engage in an open dialogue make a new, remarkable in-depth view of these historical events possible. Open for co-production.

Part 1: Friend and Foe (Occupation)
Part 2: Communism and Chewing Gum (The Ideologies)
Part 3: Dismantling and the Deutschmark (The Economy)
Part 4: Soviet Blockade and Berlin Air Lift (Division)