In 1979, two East German families, the Strelzyks and the Wetzels, would go to incredible lengths to try and escape the GDR. Hatching a daredevil plan to cross the border using a home-made hot air balloon, they spend weeks stitching and sewing. When their valiant first attempt falls agonisingly short, they are faced with a desperate scramble to build a second balloon and float to West Germany before the pursuing Stasi officers track them down. 

Michael 'Bully' Herbig's exciting thriller has been a huge success in Germany and has also re-ignited old discussions about reunification and identity in the country.