Strand Releasing has picked up North American distribution rights to Kai Stänicke's debut feature 'Trial of Hein', following its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival and a screening at New Directors/New Films. The German drama centers on a man returning to his village after 14 years, where villagers question his identity. The film stars Paul Boche as protagonist Heinrich, or Hein.
Kai Stänicke wrote and directed 'Trial of Hein', a period drama set in an isolated fishing village. The story follows Heinrich (Paul Boche), who arrives by boat after 14 years away. No one recognizes him, including his mother Mechthild (Irene Kleinschmidt), who has dementia. Village elders put him on trial to confirm his identity, drawing in his sister Heide (Stephanie Amarell) and childhood friends Greta (Emilia Schüle) and Friedemann (Philip Froissant). Childhood flashbacks reveal tensions from Hein's past as a closeted youth, drawn from Stänicke's own experiences as a queer filmmaker. Produced by Tamtam Film in co-production with Lupa Film and ZDF – Das kleine Fernsehspiel, the film features camera work by Florian Mag, editing by Susanne Ocklitz, and music by Damian Scholl. Additional cast includes Aaron Hilmer, Janette Hain, Julika Jenkins, Sebastian Blomberg, and Margarita Broich. 'Trial of Hein' debuted at the Berlinale in February and screened at the New Directors/New Films showcase. Strand Releasing will handle its North American release, with world sales by Heretic in Athens. The film runs 122 minutes and features German dialogue.
