The GDR is still young, but Thomas Brasch already doesn’t fit in. While his father wants to help to build the new German state, Thomas would rather be a writer. But his very first play is banned, and soon he is expelled from film school as well. His own father betrays him, and Thomas goes to jail. While labouring at a factory, he writes of love, rebellion, and death. He cannot remain in the GDR; he leaves for the West – where he does not wish to be. This radical nonconformist ultimately has no choice but to balance between reality and dream.

Andreas Kleinert

This East Berlin native has been engaged in film since 1989, when the Locarno festival screened his debut Leb’ wohl, Joseph. After this he mainly worked in television; he won an International Emmy for his picture Coming Home (2003). He competed in 1999 at the Karlovy Vary IFF through his title Paths in the Night. His bio-drama Dear Thomas won out at the Tallinn Black Nights festival, where lead actor Albrecht Schuch won Best Actor as well.