Sun and Concrete

The story unfolds during a hot summer in 2003, a period marked by social reforms and economic strain in Berlin. The environment blends casual drug use, city life pressures, and petty crime that shape the youths’ decisions. This timeframe grounds the characters' ambitions and missteps in a specific historical moment.

Set in Berlin's Gropiusstadt and the nearby Neukölln district, the film portrays a dense urban landscape defined by social tensions and working-class life. The street-level setting—apartment blocks, parks and schools—frames everyday life and the pressure cooker of teenage friendships. The neighborhood atmosphere amplifies the lure of crime and the struggle to rise above poverty.

🤝 Friendship

A core thread is the tight bond among Lukas, Julius, Sanchez and Gino as they navigate adolescence in a tough urban setting. Their loyalty sustains them through petty crime, rivalries, and the lure of easy money. The film explores how trust can both fortify and destabilize their lives.

🧭 Belonging

The teens seek a sense of belonging in a fractured neighborhood where status hinges on bravado, theft, and ties to older street figures. Marco's charisma and reputation draw Lukas deeper into the underworld, testing family ties and moral boundaries. The immigrant background and a diverse cast highlight questions of identity and community.

🏠 Family

Families are fractured and under pressure: Gino endures an abusive father, while Lukas's father struggles after his wife's death. The influence of caring but imperfect adults shapes the boys' choices and vulnerabilities. Moments of protection and care emerge amid violence and instability.

🥊 Violence & Crime

The narrative centers on the consequences of crime: theft from the school, conflicts with drug gangs, and the threat of physical harm. The violence affects friendships and families, culminating in a critical moment where loyalties are tested. The film portrays crime as a social contagion that also contains glimmers of solidarity.