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Who Is Hein? Island Village Puts Man on Trial
26 Feb
Summary
- Hein returns to his island home after 14 years away.
- A village court is convened to determine Hein's true identity.
- The film explores themes of memory, identity, and belonging.

Kai Stänicke's feature film debut, "Trial of Hein," premiered at the Berlin Film Festival's Perspectives section, earning critical acclaim and the Teddy Award jury honor. This compelling drama follows Hein's return to the sole village on a remote North Sea island after a 14-year absence.
Upon his arrival, the community, including his childhood friend, distances themselves from Hein. Consequently, a village court is assembled to decide if Hein is an imposter or genuinely who he claims to be. This trial unearths conflicting memories of youth between Hein and the island's inhabitants.
"Trial of Hein" serves as a powerful parable. It delves into themes of memory, identity, and the inherent tension between a sense of belonging and the restrictions imposed by community life. The film stars Paul Boche as Hein, supported by an ensemble cast. It was produced by Tamtam Film and co-produced by Lupa Film, with Heretic handling world sales.




