'Heimat'is the memory of the fundamental first impressions somebody has: from his family, from the place of his birth, from his childhood.
The title of Edgar Reitz 's epic film does not translate adequately, but his 15 1/2-hour narrative of German rural life since 1919 has earned critical acclaim in every country where it has been shown.
Russell Davies talks to Edgar Reitz about the autobiographical inspiration of Heimat, and how the making of the film marked a return to his native region of the Hunsriick after a long - but necessary - absence.
Videotape editor STEVE EVELEIGH Executive producer JOHN ARCHER Producer KEVIN LOADER
('Heimat' starts next Saturday on BBC2) (R)