Hanno Baethe

Focuses on the dancer, choreographer, and composer Ernest Berk (1909-1993), who at the time the film was made was 81 years old. Using choreography and dance, but also forms of linguistic expression, the aging body and its sexuality is explored, especially the apparent discrepancy between a youthful spirit and bodily decay.

Made during the last months of actor Kurt Raab, who died of AIDS in 1988. Raab, who had worked in both theatre and film, most notably with Fassbinder, was in the process of making a series of video sketches for a new production when he learned that he had AIDS. Despite his deteriorating health, and with the caring support of his friend Hans Hirshmuller, he carried on working. This tape is his last testimony.