Drama on Amrum: A moving war drama brings history back
Find out how Fatih Akin's film "Amrum" deals with a boy's experiences during the Second World War.

Drama on Amrum: A moving war drama brings history back
On October 30, 2025, the film industry will celebrate a special day: the premiere of the drama“Amrum”, which is based on the book of the same name by Hark Bohm. The action unfolds on the picturesque North Sea island of Amrum in the spring of 1945, at a time when the Second World War was in full swing. While the residents seem largely unaffected by the war, everyday challenges such as food shortages and the associated need to cultivate land come into play. The protagonist Tessa, played by the well-known actress Diane Kruger, plays a central role by growing potatoes and thus providing for her family. Her twelve-year-old helper Nanning, played by Jasper Billerbeck, has fled Hamburg and started a new life on the island with his family.
However, Nanning's living conditions are complicated: his father is a high-ranking member of the National Socialist system, while his family is considered outsiders despite sufficient food stamps. This exciting 304-page story addresses the islanders' longing for peace and the influence of the regime on their everyday lives. Hark Bohm, who was born in Hamburg in 1939 and spent his childhood in Amrum, processes valuable childhood memories in his novel and thus brings to life the conditions that he himself experienced. In NDR highlights how Nanning and Hermann, another boy on the island, develop a deep friendship through the war and the harsh conditions of searching for lapwing eggs and catching plaice.
Origin and inspiration
The novel“Amrum”is not just a literary work. It also pays homage to the small island, which has special meaning for Bohm because his mother comes from there. The film adaptation, directed by Fatih Akin, has already raised great expectations. This premiere will take place in Cannes in May 2024 and the screen adaptation will be in cinemas in September 2025. Bohm himself, who will celebrate his 85th birthday in May 2024, brings a very personal touch to the plot with his memories. The author keeps the novel in an emotional light by depicting not only the everyday life of the people on the island, but also the conflicts that arise from the political situation.
For film and literature lovers, the story not only offers an insight into the past, but also a reflection on friendship and the loss of childhood in a time of war. The protagonists face challenges that force them to overcome both their internal struggles and external circumstances. If you want to know more about the film, you shouldn't miss the release of the film posters and trailers, which are expected in the near future.
The novel is now available from Ullstein Verlag and can be purchased for €23.99. Here you can find further information about the premiere and the background.
While business in the region is in full swing to build anticipation for this film event, viewers are also excited to see whether the cinematography can capture the magic of the island and the dramatic background as authentically as Bohm's book already does. If you want to get a good deal on furniture or household appliances, you could look around for offers on the Internet. But for those late-night moviegoers, arranging a trip to the cinema is a top priority!