Lust for Life

Injured teenager Saeed and his friend Hazim flee from Syria. On their way, they have to abandon Saeed’s wheelchair, and Hazim literally carries him to Europe. They take a vow to never separate. In the meantime, in Hamburg, Marius is turning 18. He has Cerebral Palsy and finds new friends in Saeed and Hazim, who move in with him and his mother Astrid. They become Marius’ caretakers and Astrid finds new meaning in life; she is proud that Saeed and Hazim call her “mother”. 

Hazim and Saeed settle in in Germany, move into their own flat, go to language classes, and find jobs. At least on the outside, they seem to be integrated well. But as their new life starts to become normal, Hazim feels that his role has changed. He doesn’t feel needed as before and guilt for his family left behind in Syria rises. One day, he disappears without telling anyone. Astrid and Saeed search for him but it stays quiet around Hazim. Several months pass without a sign from him.

After two years, Hazim appears again after having dealt with his depression and haunting memories from the Syrian prisons, the torture, and the starvation. After medical and drug treatment, he is ready to face the outer world again and finally dares to call Saeed and Astrid from the train back to Hamburg. 

At the Hamburg station, Marius cannot help screaming out loud. At least for now, they are reunited again.