In 1979 the Strelzyks and the Wetzels embark on one of the most spectacular and daring escapes from communist East Germany. Rather than risk landmines, barbed-wire and spring-guns at the border if they were to cross on foot, they plan to fly over the heavily fortified border in a homemade hot air balloon. When an initial attempt fails the secret police are alerted, but the families continue to plot and stitch together another balloon in secret, all the while living in fear of discovery and certain imprisonment.

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