In an East Germany marked by the oppression of the communist regime, two families decide to risk everything to achieve freedom. The story revolves around Georg and Doris Witte, who, along with their two children, long to escape the yoke of the government and cross the border to the western side. With the help of some friends, they devise a bold and somewhat crazy plan: to build a hot air balloon.
As they work on their ambitious project, tensions mount. Paranoia looms over them as the authorities become increasingly vigilant about any attempted escape. The family and their accomplices face not only the dangers of being caught, but also their own insecurities and fears. Each stage of the process becomes a game of ingenuity, where the technical details of the balloon and the search for stolen materials intertwine with hope and discouragement.
As the date for their escape approaches, the bonds between the families grow stronger, but betrayals and difficult decisions also arise that could jeopardize their dream. With a tone of palpable tension and poignant family interactions, this true story portrays not only the value of freedom but also the power of love and unity in adversity. The struggle for a better life comes to life in an exhilarating journey filled with longing, sacrifices, and an unwavering faith in a brighter future.