Based on a true story, Balloon is an insanely tense look at the risks people will take to be free. When the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, it tore the country and its peoples in half. The East side fell under Communist rule and became a land of paranoia and suspicion. The West side remained free and became a beacon of hope and freedom.
This film follows the Strelzyk and Wetzel families and their attempt to construct a clandestine hot air balloon and fly to freedom. In a country staffed with an overabundance of police and the dreaded secret police, the Stasi. this endeavour was absolutely illegal and life threatening.
After a first attempt goes awry, the effort is applied again but this time the authorities are closing in and it becomes a race against time. Even knowing the ultimate outcome of the story does little to dissuade one from being on the edge on one’s seat the entire second half of the film. This is great populist entertainment and makes a wonderful film to open the festival with.
Balloon shows again on Sunday June 2 and Sunday June 9 at Palace Barracks and Saturday June 1 and Saturday June 8 at Palace James Street and should not be missed.
Rob Hudson
Presented by Palace, the German Film Festival’s national program features 29 Australian premieres and a festival line-up that includes box office hits and award-winning dramas straight from this year’s Berlinale, the festival is a fantastic celebration of German culture and filmmaking. Including productions from neighbouring Austria and Switzerland, the festival showcases the creativity and diversity of the region. From thrillers and historical productions to feel-good comedies, this year’s films will amuse, inspire and entertain.
Click here more information about the program, or head to the official website for more information and to book your tickets!
German Film Festival 2019
Sydney: 21 May – 9 June 2019, Palace Norton St and Chauvel Cinema
Canberra: 22 May – 9 June 2019, Palace Electric
Melbourne: 23 May – 09 June 2019, Palace Cinema Como, The Kino Cinemas, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, The Astor Theatre
Perth: 28 May – 12 June 2019, Cinema Paradiso
Adelaide: 29 May – 12 June 2019, Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas
Brisbane: 30 May – 12 June 2019, Palace James St, Palace Barracks
Byron Bay: 29 May – 12 June 2019, Palace Byron Bay
www.germanfilmfestival.com.au
