Berlin, 1942. A young Jewish man, Cioma Schönhaus (rising star Louis Hofmann, Dark, Land of Mine), refuses to let the Nazis take away his zest for life. When he discovers his talent for forging documents – especially passports – he sees this as the ideal way to help not only himself but also others escape deportation.
Thanks to his knack for creating new identities, he dares to venture out, hiding in plain sight and navigating around the authorities with inventiveness and charm. He throws himself into the city’s nightlife with his friends Det (Jonathan Berlin, Summer of 44) and Gerda (Luna Wedler), and even catches a fragile glimpse of love in seemingly hopeless times. But the more lives the trio saves, the more the noose tightens around them.
Directed and written by Maggie Peren, The Forger is based on the true story Samson “Cioma” Schönhaus, a Jewish graphic artist who forged documents to help others escape the Nazis. In this illuminating drama, Hofmann embodies Schönhaus’ indomitable optimism and determination, even in the darkest moments, to focus on the light.
www.germanfilmfestival.com.au
