TO FIGHT FOR

The Year of Decision

TO FIGHT FOR is an inspiring documentary film on one of the greatest challenges of our age: the transformation of destructive power into creative energy, of self-loathing into self-confidence, of repression of the past into the assumption of responsibility for your own life

Directly and with no holds barred, the film tells the moving story of five young men aged between 16 and 20 who steal, smoke dope and enjoy getting into fights. They are uncertain, directionless and willing to resort to violence. And now they face the biggest challenge of their young lives: Will they end up in jail or tear down the old walls with the aim of taking control of their own lives and rebuilding trust and closeness after years of total isolation and extreme aggression? The “year of decision“ is their final chance to break the vicious circle of their lives so far, to erase false self-perceptions and to come to terms with reality.

Rupert Voss and Werner Makella, founders of the Work and Box Company, are too men with a broad range of experiences. They give the young men what they really need: confrontation and love – a positive paternal image and genuine authority. And they are prepared to invest a great deal of time and patience – even though the situation seems almost hopeless. In helping the young men they can draw on their knowledge of the male psyche, breaking old patterns of behaviour and creating fresh self-confidence.

Dodging, countering, attacking – defence or withdrawal? In the ring everyone must look their opponent honestly and unflinchingly in the eye and the boxing match becomes the catalyst for the protagonists’ personal development. Joy and grief, quiet certainty, desperation and hope are intertwined. For inside the young men are also battling themselves – until they fall in order to learn how to rise again.

TO FIGHT FOR is a gripping and emotional film, which offers a radically different approach in the current debate about youth violence to the helpless appeal for tougher action.

"A brilliant movie." DIE ZEIT
"A strong, intense, touching and full of hope." ZDF News
"A stirring cinema experience that blows your mind!" THE JOURNAL