Night Crossing

The story unfolds in the late 1970s East Germany, during the height of the Cold War. It follows the 1978 escape attempt and the dramatic 1979 retry by the Strelzyk and Wetzel families. State security and border patrols tighten as the plan progresses, reflecting the era's high-stakes environment.

Pößneck is depicted as a quiet East German town near the Inner German border. The border zone casts a constant watch over daily life, with neighbors and authorities attentive to any unusual activity. The backdrop of a tense Cold War era and the construction of the Berlin Wall frame the community's fear and resilience.

🚀 Escape

A quest for freedom drives the families to design and attempt an extraordinary balloon escape. The project becomes a test of ingenuity, patience, and resilience against limited resources. Each setback—fires, testing failures, and close calls with border guards—deepens the resolve to reach West Germany.

🤝 Family & Alliance

Two families join forces, sharing risk, materials, and secrecy under a regime of surveillance. Trust and cooperation become essential as plans move from concept to execution. The film portrays loyalty and solidarity as the backbone of the escape attempt.

🔥 Risk & Courage

The balloon project pushes dangerous limits, including improvised burners and fragile fabric. The participants confront danger, near disasters, and the fear of capture. Courage appears in bold decisions and the willingness to persevere through fear.