Big Manni

Things could truly be better for regionally successful entrepreneur Manfred Brenner in the mid-1980s. For Brenner, however, there is no reason to worry, because he is firmly counting on a breakthrough with his newly founded company FlowTex. With innovative horizontal drilling systems, he wants to revolutionize underground pipeline construction. But at first the big success remains elusive. He finally succeeds by relying on drilling systems and orders that don't even exist, piling up loan upon loan and leasing contract upon leasing contract. He uses charm and persuasion, and for a long time no one notices that Brenner is building a fraudulent consortium of companies with just a few helpers and a lot of falsified documents.

Directed by Niki Stein, Big Manni leans on a strong ensemble — Hans-Jochen Wagner, Nina-Friederike Gnädig, Robert Schupp — 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 comedy titles of 2019.