Global Screen adds moving WWII refugee drama THE PATH to its Cannes line-up

Jun 1st, 2021

The Munich-based sales unit Global Screen, a brand of Telepool, has picked up global distribution rights to THE PATH which is based on Rüdiger Bertram’s novel and inspired by true events.

The suspenseful drama sheds light on a legendary escape route from occupied France across the Pyrenees to Spain, which hundreds of political refugees used to escape persecution by the National Socialists: France in 1940: persecuted by the Nazis, the critical German journalist Ludwig and his 12-year-old son Rolf are stranded in Marseilles. Their goal is to travel to New York where Rolf’s mother has been waiting for them now for far too long. Their guessing game of "Good or Bad? – Dissident or Collaborator?” soon turns deadly serious when they increasingly have to face inspectors and officials in Nazi-controlled Europe. The only way to freedom is a steep path leading from Southern France through the Pyrenees to Spain. Núria, a girl, only slightly older than Rolf, offers to guide them along the hazardous path. When the father gets caught en route, Rolf and Núria are suddenly all on their own. Rolf's dog Adi is then the only companion on a path that teaches the two children to stick together and to rely on one another – if they want to survive.

Director Tobias Wiemann ("Mountain Miracle - An Unexpected Friendship") has succeeded with THE PATH in making a film which combines an astonishingly light touch with great images and suspense to show what it means when children have to cope alone in fleeing war and terror and thus addresses a highly topical subject. With Julius Weckauf (“All About Me”) in the lead role opposite Volker Bruch from „Babylon Berlin“ and Anna Maria Mühe from “Dogs of Berlin“, among others. Produced by Daniel Ehrenberg (Eyrie Entertainment) THE PATH will be released theatrically in Germany by Warner Bros..

“THE PATH is a gripping story following a boy who goes beyond himself as he embarks on the dangerous journey through occupied Europe to see his mother again. And amid all the serious background of persecution and escape, the film is light and bright and will also make the audiences smile,“ says Julia Weber, Head of International Sales & Acquisitions at Global Screen.

Producer Daniel Ehrenberg adds: „Basically, our film is also saying something about the European Union`s fundamental values. Nowadays, when the European idea is often in danger of being forgotten, it doesn't hurt to remind people that we should help one another and show solidarity. Also to non-Europeans. Let’s not forget: It is not so long ago that Europeans had to flee war and persecution.“

THE PATH is a production of Eyrie Entertainment and Warner Bros. Film Productions Germany, in co-production with Lemming Film Germany.

Global Screen will be e-attending the upcoming Pre-Screenings in Cannes and presenting an initial teaser trailer to begin presales on THE PATH.