Hans (Franz Rogowski) is gay, which is still a crime in post-World War II Germany. The notorious paragraph 175 is still in force and destroys all Hans’ hopes for a life in freedom. Upon returning once more into prison after living out his desires he meets Viktor (Georg Friedrich), a convicted murderer.

Spanning decades, the spectre of Nazism lingers heavily throughout the film – while it may take place in the years following the downfall of Hitler, the impact of his barbaric laws still remains embedded in the fabric of German society. This genre-bending political drama dives deep into the anguish of its characters while offering a most extraordinary portrayal of queer romance at the same time.

DDA Spotlight Award laureate.