Die Taktstürmer

Berlin Beginners

The "Berlin Beginners" are Anna, Robert and Niko – ambitious unknown Berlin artists driven by their dream to make it in the hard knock world of pop. Their different life phases offer a personal, comical and tragic insight into life's reality for musicians in Germany, removed from glamour and groupies.

The 19-year-old high-school graduate Anna still lives at home, looking naively at her future as frontwoman with a guitar. Her mother feels "the world doesn’t need such music." Her father supports her almost unconditionally – until the first skepticism appears.

Robert is the quiet, prudent and sensitive figure. The 25-yearold guitarist and singer considers himself a pop-musician. As a determined character, Robert applies at one of the best popschools: the Conservatorium in Amster dam. But he fails to make it in, and a second child is already underway.

Niko (34), from Berlin-Neukölln, is chaotic, but honest and direct. Along with his cello "umbra" and a loopbox, this one-manorchestra roams the land. He struggles through the hard winter on poorly paid appearances. Then he plays his first intercontinental gig – and realizes the big differences to Germany.

"Berlin Beginners" is a long-term observation in the style of Direct Cinema and the portrait of a jaded society in which you can become anything you desire to be.

Source: German Films Service & Marketing GmbH