Nowhere in Africa

The cinematic journey commences on the sun-kissed savannahs of Africa, where a young boy's carefree bicycle ride serves as a poignant prologue. Against this idyllic backdrop, the story unfolds amidst the turbulent backdrop of World War II, as the Nazi regime tightens its grip on Germany and the Jewish community faces uncertain futures. The narrative then shifts to a snow-covered glade in Germany, where Regina (a woman beset by phobias) and her mother Jettel (an ambitious socialite with a keen sense of style), are sharing a tender moment as they sled down the hillside together.

In this tranquil setting, the audience is introduced to Walter, Regina's father and Jettel's husband, who has abandoned his life of comfort in Germany for a new beginning on a Kenyan farm. As Walter battles malaria, his family receives a letter from him, pleading with Jettel to join him in Kenya, where they will be welcomed by the Jewish community. The letter is laced with urgency, as Walter implores Jettel to bring essential items such as an icebox, mosquito netting, and to leave behind their prized China collection, which holds little value in their new home.

Meanwhile, back in Germany, Max, Walter's father, voices his reservations about the family's decision to flee, convinced that everything will return to normal within a couple of years. In stark contrast, the Kenyan landscape serves as a backdrop for a transformative journey, where Walter's bond with Ouwour, the African cook, is forged through their shared experiences and mutual respect. It is here that Walter, now healed from his illness, dons a new persona, discarding his judicial robes to think with his "braun" (instinct) rather than his brain, marking a poignant turning point in his character's development.

As Regina and Jettel settle into their new life in Rongai, Kenya, Walter quickly becomes aware of his wife's reluctance to embrace Africa as more than just a temporary stopover. Meanwhile, Regina forms an instant connection with Ouwour, allowing her to effortlessly adapt to the Kenyan way of life. She forges strong bonds with the local children and explores every nook and cranny of their surroundings, shedding her initial apprehensions like autumn leaves on a crisp breeze. Fast forward a few months, and Regina has blossomed into an independent young spirit, unafraid of the snow or small dogs that once sent shivers down her spine.

Süsskind's arrival with supplies and a promise to stay awhile serves as a gentle awakening for Jettel, who had thus far regarded their rustic farmhouse merely as a place to rest. But Walter's disagreement with his wife reveals a deeper issue: Jettel's refusal to surrender the trappings of their former life, leaving vital necessities behind in her haste to cling to comforts past. As Regina begins to learn the ins and outs of African life from Ouwour, Jettel continues to view him as an inferior servant rather than a valued friend.

In a telling moment, Jettel requests Ouwour's assistance with gathering water, only to be met with his response that it is women's work. Yet she persists, revealing her lingering disconnection from their new environment. Meanwhile, the African women at the watering hole mercilessly tease Ouwour for allowing his ties to the family to trump tradition, highlighting the cultural chasm between Jettel and her new surroundings.

As the seasons pass on the farm, Jettel's discontent with their rustic surroundings persists, fueled by a hunger for more substantial sustenance than the humble fare they've grown accustomed to. Her pleas for meat fall on deaf ears, prompting Walter to lash out in frustration, his ire sparked by the harsh reality of their narrow escape from Nazi Germany. The memories of brutal raids on Jewish homes and businesses still linger, a stark reminder that they narrowly avoided a fate worse than death. It's only now, six months after their hasty departure, that Jettel begins to grasp the gravity of Walter's warnings and the desperation that drove them to flee in the first place.

As the anniversary of Kristallnacht approaches - November 10, 1938 - Walter seizes his chance to pen a heartfelt letter to his father, imploring him to abandon their homeland and seek refuge in Kenya before it's too late. His motivation is no longer just self-preservation but a deep-seated desire to safeguard the well-being of those he loves most: his family. The realization dawns on him that he wants to be there for them as they had always been there for him, providing guidance and support through life's trials.

Meanwhile, Jettel's prejudices against the local black population stubbornly persist, her biases rooted in a perceived notion of inferiority. She cautions Regina against any unconventional foods or customs she might encounter, but her warnings only serve to pique Regina's curiosity. And so, with an insatiable thirst for adventure and experience, Regina sets out to explore the unknown, heedless of Jettel's dire predictions.

As the months pass, Jettle's perception of Ouwour evolves, revealing a complex individual beyond mere servitude. Meanwhile, Regina and her father revel in their "second life," while Jettel slowly awakens to the reality of African existence. It isn't long before Walter, Regina, and Jettel begin to adapt to their new circumstances, but their peaceful coexistence is brutally shattered by the outbreak of war between Britain and Nazi Germany. The German population, including Jews, is forcibly interned in camps, with Walter, Jettel, and Regina each finding themselves in separate facilities.

For Walter, the confines of his camp become a reflection of his existential crisis, as he grapples with the uncertainty of whether true love can transcend time and circumstance. In stark contrast, Jettel finds herself enveloped in luxury within her own camp, surrounded by the pampered indulgences of a 5-star resort. Yet, even amidst such opulence, she is struck by Regina's need for stability and the importance of providing a sense of home for her daughter.

As the Jewish women within the camps begin to organize a relief effort aimed at securing their husbands' release, Jettel joins forces with them, using her writing skills to craft a letter that will help mobilize the community. Meanwhile, Walter becomes increasingly disillusioned with Germany's abandonment of its people, his bitterness growing as he becomes disenchanted with the Nazi regime.

Once the families' releases are secured, however, their new freedom comes with a condition: the men must secure employment to support their loved ones. Tragically, Walter's termination from his position as farm steward renders him ineligible for release, leaving Jettel to seek alternative solutions. In desperation, she turns to a British soldier who speaks German and has taken notice of her charms. He offers to help arrange a job for Walter through his connections, but only if Jettel agrees to reciprocate his advances.

With her marriage already strained and her family's well-being hanging in the balance, Jettel reluctantly accepts the soldier's proposition, sacrificing her own moral integrity in order to secure her husband's release. A new life awaits on a farm in Kenya, where Regina flourishes in her African surroundings, effortlessly absorbing the local culture and way of life. Yet, for Walter and Jettel, the road ahead is paved with uncertainty and heartache.

As their days blend together in the rhythms of rural Kenyan life, Jettel begins to find solace in her new environment, gradually embracing the simple joys and challenges that come with being a woman of the land.

As the autumn equinox of 1940 brings a sense of uncertainty to the family's doorstep, Walter's world crumbles further upon receiving devastating news from his father: emigration is no longer an option, and their very existence hangs precariously in the balance. Hitler's ominous shadow looms large, instilling within Walter a profound resentment that will forever alter his perspective. In the aftermath of this crushing blow, fate intervenes once more, as Owour miraculously appears on the horizon, rekindling a sense of stability and harmony among the family.

Meanwhile, Regina begins to forge unbreakable bonds with the village children, her innocence and curiosity drawing her into the fabric of their lives. Jettel, though initially indifferent, starts to harbor aspirations for Regina's education, urging her to attend school and acquire a formal education. Six months later, Regina steps foot in a British-run institution, where she confronts the harsh realities of being Jewish: no prayer allowed, distinct rules apply, and an underlying unease emanates from her peers.

Yet, despite these challenges, Regina's unwavering determination drives her to excel academically, as if fueled by an insatiable hunger to prove herself in a world where difference is often met with suspicion. This marked transformation not only testifies to her resilience but also foreshadows the trials that lie ahead for this young girl, whose innocence and courage will be put to the ultimate test.

As Regina's sporadic visits continue to weave in and out of village life, Walter and Jettel embark on a poignant journey of self-discovery, grappling with the intricacies of love and its multifaceted nature. Despite their mutual reluctance to rekindle romance, they find themselves inexorably drawn to each other, their connection strengthened by a deep-seated need for companionship rather than romantic fervor. This subtle yet profound dynamic is mirrored in their interactions with Regina, who effortlessly adapts to the African culture of the village while still retaining her British sensibilities.

Meanwhile, Jettel's role as woman-ward of the farm evolves, as she becomes increasingly integral to the daily operations of the land. It is during one of Regina's visits that the family receives devastating news: their relatives in Germany are being deported to concentration camps in Poland, a fate tantamount to death. Walter's words are laced with a heavy dose of reality, but Jettel's initial reluctance to accept the gravity of the situation gives way to a growing sense of resignation.

As Walter's emotions become increasingly embittered towards his homeland, he begins to formulate plans for intervention, driven by a deep-seated desire to make a difference. In stark contrast, Jettel's connection to Africa deepens, her empathy and compassion for the tribe's customs and traditions finding solace in the face of uncertainty. A poignant moment of crisis arises when she is called upon to assist an elderly woman as she prepares to meet her ancestors, prompting a villager to explain the tribe's sacred bond with their forebears. This poignant revelation seems to bring Jettel a measure of comfort, as she begins to confront the reality that her own family will one day follow in the same ancestral footsteps.

As the months tick by, Süsskind (played a recurring role in Walter's life, sharing tidbits of news that would alter the dynamics of the family forever. The British army's decision to permit Jewish German enlistment, aimed at countering the Nazi menace, resonated deeply with Walter. Jettel, though initially resistant to this new development, eventually acquiesced, assuming responsibility for their farm alongside Ouwour's guidance. However, Süsskind's increased visits and calculated manipulation of Jettel's emotions had a profound impact on her psyche.

As the tides of war began to shift in favor of the Allies, Walter was granted leave after the D-Day landings in Normandy. This marked a turning point, as the Nazi regime teetered on the brink of collapse. Regina, now grappling with her own rites of passage between adolescence and adulthood, sensed an opportunity to confront her mother about her seemingly effortless rapport with Süsskind. Jettel's realization that Regina was rapidly maturing and struggling with the dualities of African and European cultures awakened a deeper understanding within her.

The seeds of introspection sown by Regina also led Jettel to reevaluate her perception of Walter, acknowledging his selfless efforts to safeguard their family and preserve their way of life. As she reflected on their experiences in Africa, Jettel came to comprehend that faith and ethnicity were mere trivialities when pitted against the cruel indifference of an uncaring world.

As the war drew to a close, Walter and Jettel shared a poignant night, resulting in Jettel's pregnancy. This moment marked a turning point for both, as Walter revealed the devastating truth: their family was gone, and he had been chosen to return to Germany and help establish a new government. The weight of this news bore heavily on Jettel, who had grown content with her newfound role as farm proprietor.

Regina, too, struggled to come to terms with the prospect of leaving Africa behind, having become deeply entrenched in its culture. Walter's desire to reclaim their former life in Germany clashed with Jettel's reluctance to abandon the life they had built together. As November 1946 approached and Walter received his commission to return to Germany, the couple was faced with an uncertain future, their roles reversed as husband and wife.

As the curtain closes on this poignant odyssey, Regina's unassuming voice becomes the beacon of wisdom, tempering the fiery passion of Walter and Jettel as they grapple with the weighty decision to return to Germany. The serenity of their African haven, where Süsskind (Süsskind) had found solace in the vast expanse of the continent, was now being eclipsed by the turmoil of Walter's longing for a homeland that had left an indelible mark on his soul. Jettel, meanwhile, remained rooted to the land they had cultivated with such dedication and love, refusing to abandon the life they had built together as farmers.

The air was thick with tension as Walter announced his intention to return to Germany, Süsskind being the first to sense the irreconcilable chasm between their perspectives. The gentle giant's incredulity only seemed to fuel Walter's resolve, leaving Jettel caught in the crossfire of their conflicting desires. As Walter began to depart, a swarm of locusts descended upon the farm, threatening to devour the very lifeblood they had worked so tirelessly to cultivate. It was then that he remembered Regina's parting words: "Mother needs you." The recollection stirred something deep within him, and he rejoined the villagers in their valiant effort to protect their crops.

Jettel, oblivious to her husband's inner turmoil, perceived his actions as a fait accompli, and it was only when she witnessed his unwavering commitment to the family that the embers of their love were rekindled. As they prepared to bid farewell to Africa and return to Germany, Walter confessed to Jettel that he could not, nor would he, abandon her side. She, in turn, surrendered to his devotion, resigning herself to the love of her life over the allure of her new homeland.

In a poignant moment of introspection, Walter encountered Ouwour (Ouwour), who was preparing for a solo journey, driven by the pangs of heartbreak that had become an integral part of his existence. The old man's words were laced with wisdom as he returned the robe given to him by Walter, reminding him that it had never been his to forget, for Walter himself had decreed its irrelevance in their new life. Ouwour's calm demeanor belied the depth of his sorrow, and he revealed his intention to rejoin his first life, leaving behind the second that had become so dear to him.

As the family boarded a train to return to Germany, they were accompanied by a new chapter in their journey – a son born on June 6, 1947, symbolizing the cyclical nature of their odyssey. The narrative of this complex and multifaceted tale revolves around individuals searching for their purpose and meaning, only to find it in a roundabout, yet ultimately, fulfilling manner.

As the cinematic tapestry begins to unfurl, a pivotal figure emerges: Juliane Köhler. Her portrayal of Clara marks the beginning of a journey that will culminate in her marriage to Fritz Schimon Haber, a union that finds its dramatic expression in the critically acclaimed film Haber (2008).