Hangtime

Vinz is in the middle of his A-levels and thus in the early stages of a new phase in his life, which presents him with major challenges. As the top scorer at Phoenix Hagen, the success of the upcoming final game is in his hands. He has what it takes to become a professional basketball player and his brother Georg, who is twelve years older, can't imagine anything better for Vinz's life. After all, his own basketball career failed ten years ago after the tragic death of his parents due to the stresses and strains of his private life. Now Vinz is supposed to make up for what Georg was denied back then. But does Vinz even want to? He has been secretly applying for a scholarship in the USA for months, although the idea of leaving his two old friends Samy and Ali behind is difficult for him. When Vinz falls in love with Kathi, he is even less sure of his own plans. The final match for promotion to the 1st Bundesliga will not only decide the future of Phoenix Hagen.

Directed by Wolfgang Groos, Hangtime leans on a strong ensemble — Max Kupfer, Mišel Matičević, Mirjam Weichselbraun — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2009.