The Mayor's Race

It was one of the greatest natural disasters of all time. On the morning of Boxing Day 2004, a massive tsunami hit the coast of the Indian Ocean. More than 230,000 people died, including many holidaymakers from Germany and France. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary, survivors tell their stories. How has the disaster affected their lives to this day?

The film tells the fascinating story of the rise and fall of Indian guru Bhagwan for the first time from the perspective of his German followers. What was it about the man they called and worshiped Osho that fascinated them? And why did they give up everything in order to be able to follow their idol to India and the USA? The documentary filmmaker Jobst Knigge managed to win the trust of some sannyasin. They tell their very personal story and give a deep insight into their life with the charismatic guru in the 70s and 80s.

What brings about a Damascene conversion? When he was younger, Thomas “Eichi” Eichstätt was an East German right-wing extremist thug. Today he volunteers as a football coach for stranded young people from around the world. He doesn’t have much left for himself; unfortunately the cash-strapped local municipality of Torgelow has no way of paying him for his valuable work.