In 1942, Jochen Klepper made an extraordinary decision with his Jewish wife and step-daughter, as deportation loomed for the female family members. Thousands of Germans in mixed marriages suffered the same fate. The Christian writer/journalist was one of the 20th century’s most significant lyricists for religious songs. In compelling images, the film portrays the Kleppers’ last hours together.

“Director Benjamin Martins stages wrangling and hopelessness with a chamber drama touch (…) The images created in this manner touch the viewer to the core and testify to an impressive artistic translation of emotional claustrophobia. A freedom of spirit and the reinvention of creative means like we have never seen before.” (Jury statement FIRST STEPS Award 2021)

Benjamin Martins initially began his artistic career as an actor in theatre, as well as for film and television. After training as an actor in Cologne and Berlin, his first engagement brought him to Paris. In 2013, he switched to a spot behind the camera, making his directorial debut with the short film AMEISENPAKT. Since then, his films have flickered across the screens of esteemed festivals around the world, including in Berlin, New York and Los Angeles, receiving multiple awards in the process. In the wake of these experiences, he co-founded the film production company Herbsthund Filme along with his dog Müsli.

Filmography: 2014 AMEISENPAKT (short film), 2015 DON’T SHOOT ME MR. TALIBAN, 2018 DANKE TOTE KATZE, 2021 SCHATTENSTUNDE

Awards: Award for Best Feature Film (FIRST STEPS Award, Berlin/Germany 2021)