Geburt der Hexe

A young peasant wants to marry, but the despotic sovereign chooses the bride for one night on the basis of the "ius primae noctis" and declares her fair game. In despair, the young woman turns away from God and towards a Satanic cult. After returning from a campaign, the tyrant pursues her at the insistence of the fanatical village priest. She is confronted and murdered. This act shakes up the peasants; they rise up against the lords.

Directed by Wilfried Minks, Geburt der Hexe leans on a strong ensemble — Ulla Berkévicz, Friedrich Karl Praetorius, Edgar M. Böhlke — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1980.