In a small town in transition, decline and new beginnings are intertwined: Loitz in Vorpommern is a prime example of many places in East Germany that have lost a large part of their population after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Empty buildings, crumbling facades and economic decline characterize the cityscape. But there is hope: a project brings two young Berliners to Loitz, who are supposed to create a space for encounters together with the locals. At the same time, music lovers are trying to bring new momentum to the city with a festival. While some welcome the changes, others remain skeptical – can the decline really be stopped? Director Paul Raatz's INFINITE PLACE follows this process over the course of a year and shows how initiatives from outside collide with existing structures or create new perspectives. The documentary celebrated its premiere at the Max Ophüls Prize Film Festival and was praised for its empathetic approach to the topics of home, identity and social change. With impressive images and a keen sense of interpersonal dynamics, the film makes it clear that change is always associated with conflicts, hopes and disappointments.
When the urge for self-realization meets vacancy, worlds are created on a small scale.
In a small town in transition, decline and new beginnings are intertwined: Loitz in Vorpommern is a prime example of many places in East Germany that have lost a large part of their population after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Empty buildings, crumbling facades and economic decline characterize the cityscape. But there is hope: a project brings two young Berliners to Loitz, who are supposed to create a space for encounters together with the locals. At the same time, music lovers are trying to bring new momentum to the city with a festival. While some welcome the changes, others remain skeptical – can the decline really be stopped?
Director Paul Raatz's INFINITE PLACE follows this process over the course of a year and shows how initiatives from outside collide with existing structures or create new perspectives. The documentary celebrated its premiere at the Max Ophüls Prize Film Festival and was praised for its empathetic approach to the topics of home, identity and social change. With impressive images and a keen sense of interpersonal dynamics, the film makes it clear that change is always associated with conflicts, hopes and disappointments.