Solange Du hier bist

While You Are Here

A few fragile moments of togetherness with Sebastian, a young male prostitute, is one of Georg′s few remaining chances to break through his hermit-like existence – at least for a few hours. Georg loves Sebastian′s easygoing and playful manner. He loves the absurd stories that the boy spontaneously comes up with and is never certain whether to believe them or not. And today it looks like Georg′s long cherished dream will finally come true: this time the boy asks him – of his own free will – if he can stay overnight. Georg does everything to enjoy these rare and valuable moments to the full – and he hopes for more. Yet the more he dares to get closer to the boy, the more Sebastian withdraws from him.

Within a short space of time, the boy seems to age by many years. Sebastian is looking for help. But he runs off and Georg′s hopes are shattered. But that very same evening, Sebastian appears at his door again. He has come to say goodbye. By the light of a torch, their last remaining night becomes a declaration of love to the passing of time and to all the people who have crossed their paths, even for a brief, fleeting moment – a moving revolt against life′s ephemerality. Stefan Westerwelle′s chamber piece about a lonely old man and his young lover was very warmly received at the festivals in Locarno, Montreal, Barcelona and Hof.

Source: 57. Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin (Catalogue)