THE FROG AND THE WATER

ABOUT THE FILM: In German and Japanese with English Subtitles. Young Stefan ‘Buschi’ Busch (Detlefsen) lives in an assisted group home in Cologne, where his structured daily routine leaves little room for surprises. Nevertheless, he longs for change. Setting out on his own in an unexpected act of self-determination, Buschi seizes the chance to leave an organized outing and casually joins a Japanese tour group. Having lived his entire life without speaking, Buschi discovers new ways to express himself and connect with others on this unusual trip. Along the way, a tentative, silent friendship develops between Buschi and the Japanese traveler Hideo Kitamura (Kanji), a man on his own personal journey. As this extraordinary road trip unfolds across Germany, Switzerland, and Japan, a bond develops between these unlikely friends that transcends words. Stuber, Kuppel, and Yamato’s screenplay provides the perfect roadmap for award-winning performances by Kanji and Detlefsen in this most unlikely of off-beat road movies. FORMAT: DCP COUNTRY: Germany/Switzerland