Bubbles

Two couples living in different bubbles spend a weekend together in a beach cottage. When the divided vacation group comes under pressure and must confront a guilt from their shared past, disaster strikes. (Source: FFF Bayern)\n\n"Bubbles" is an emotional exploration of the political and social spheres that often divide us rather than connect us. The narrative follows the emotional journey of Fiete, who reunites with his childhood friend Luca in a remote seaside cottage. Though once close, they have grown dramatically apart—Fiete has established himself in an urban environment with his progressive girlfriend Amiri, while Luca remains deeply rooted in the traditions and convictions of their hometown, becoming an advocate for the right-wing populist party "Revolution Heimat." This collision of worldviews forms the core of the story, as Fiete is forced to confront not only their ideological differences but also his own contradictions and shared responsibility in the death of their mutual friend Silas. The visual language of the film brings these societal divides into sharp focus within the confined space of the isolated holiday house. The polarization of our society becomes tangible as Fiete's and Luca's personal bubbles clash against the backdrop of the monochromatic Wadden Sea landscape. Their characters provide vivid accents of color within a setting weathered by time and memory. What happens when we reconnect with someone whose values and beliefs challenge our own? Can we judge others when we haven't confronted our own past transgressions? Our camera concept aimed to make these social and emotional "bubbles" both visually and emotionally palpable for the audience. We employed naturalistic, intimate handheld camerawork that immerses viewers in the characters' emotional states and thought processes, while simultaneously creating visual premonitions of deeper conflicts waiting to surface. These two camera aesthetics maintain a constant dialogue throughout the film, reflecting the tension between connection and division that defines our characters' relationships.