Berlin ’36

Set in the mid-1930s, the story unfolds during the Berlin Olympics era. It portrays the Nazi regime’s racial laws and the political pressure athletes faced to conform or be excluded. The period is defined by state-sponsored athletics, international scrutiny, and the clash between sport and ideology.

The film traverses the United Kingdom, where Gretel Bergmann achieves a high jump victory, and Berlin, Germany, where the Nazi-influenced Olympic world and team training camps unfold. The Berlin 1936 Games are central, with political pressure and state control over sport shaping the competition. The setting spans German training facilities and the Olympic venue, highlighting exile, return, and propaganda.

🏟️ Sports vs Politics

Athletic competition is inseparable from political power. The IOC and Nazi officials exert pressure that tests fairness and integrity. The plot tracks how sport can be manipulated for propaganda, and how individuals respond when institutions abuse authority.

🧭 Identity & Friendship

Marie’s secret identity and Gretel’s Jewish background create a tension between personal truth and political manipulation. The two athletes form a fraught friendship that challenges Nazi ideology and shows courage in dangerous times. Their bond becomes a quiet form of resistance.

🛡️ Oppression & Resilience

Discrimination and surveillance test the athletes’ resolve. Gretel confronts exclusion and manipulation, while Marie’s actions reveal moral ambiguity. The narrative celebrates resilience and integrity in the face of systemic oppression.