[1] In 1961 Kirsten found popular success with Auf der Sonnenseite (English: On the Sunny Side), a comedy about a factory worker who dreams of becoming a star, featuring Manfred Krug in the lead role.
[1] In 1966, Kirsten directed a film adaptation of Der verlorene Engel, a Franz Fuhmann novel about sculptor Ernst Barlach.
The film was initially banned, and was only shown in public for the first time in 1970, with a general release the following year.
Kirsten made several films about historical figures, including 1984's Where Others Keep Silent, about the early 20th century German communist leader Clara Zetkin.
[1] When DEFA closed following the reunification of Germany, Kirsten taught at the Konrad Wolf Film University of Babelsberg.