Tipping Point

Lusatia, a region on the eastern edge of Germany but located in the middle of Europe, has already experienced many changes. Lignite mining shaped the regional identity and prosperity of generations. After reunification, deindustrialization of historic proportions followed, from which the region has still not recovered. With the long-planned and now legally approved coal phase-out, Lusatia is once again facing a deep cut. The new buzzword is "structural change", and an entire region has to redefine itself.

Britt Beyer's documentary takes a sensitive look at the region and meets the people who live there: their memories, fears and desires - and their unconditional will to actively shape the future of their homeland. The mayor, who saw the city of his childhood disappear and therefore has his sights firmly set on the future. The environmental activist who fights for the preservation of forest areas and against the flooding of disused open-cast mining areas with water, of which there is too little. The excavator operator, who has worked in mining for over 30 years, demands recognition of tradition and a gentle exit.