Die schwarzen Brüder

Based on the classic children's book by Lisa Tetzner and Kurt Held: Until the middle of the 19th century, poor mountain farmers from Ticino sold their children to Milan as chimney sweeps. This is also the case for little Giorgio (Fynn Henkel). He has to climb through dark chimneys, throw down the soot with his bare hands. But he doesn't give up. Together with his fellow sufferers, he founds the alliance of the 'Black Brothers': they stick together, defend themselves against their misery and become entangled in fights with the Milanese street boys. The film tells the gripping adventures of the chimney sweep boys and their spectacular escape back home...

With 'The Black Brothers' (2013), Swiss Oscar winner Xavier Koller ('Journey of Hope', 'Gripsholm') filmed the masterpiece of the same name by Lisa Tetzner and Kurt Held ('Red Zora'). Her story of little Giorgio, who has to work as a chimney sweep boy in Milan and founds the gang of the 'Black Brothers' there, has been translated into countless languages since its publication in 1941 and is considered one of the most widely read books for young people in the world. Moritz Bleibtreu ('Soul Kitchen'), Richy Müller ('Poll') and Waldemar Kobus ('Vicky the Viking') can be seen in the adult leading roles. Dominique Horwitz ('Die rote Zora'), Catrin Striebeck ('Gegen die Wand'), Sabine Timoteo ('Der freie Wille') and Leonardo Nigro ('Resturlaub') also play roles. The screenplay was written by Fritjof Hohagen and Klaus Richter. Filming took place in Ticino, Cologne, Frankfurt and South Tyrol. In Switzerland, 'The Black Brothers' was released in September 2013 and thrilled over one hundred thousand moviegoers.