"Ausgang, Sofie" Proof of Concept

Logline

1936 Germany. After being rejected from the Hitler Youth, a 14-year-old mixed-race Afro-German girl named Sofie embarks on her quest for identity and escapism in the Nazi film industry.

The Why

Embedded within the historical backdrop of Nazi Germany, Sofie's struggle stands as a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity to thrive in the face of adversity.

Genesis

About 9 years ago, I had a weird nightmare that I was in Germany escaping from a rooftop with this Jewish boy. We ran across the top of a small German house, jumping then landing in the backyard where we ran through a fence, onto the street towards a boarding train leaving for France. SS men were chasing us and seemed to be closing in. I don't know how the nightmare ended but I woke up panicking because it felt so real.

Since that dream, I have been back and forth to Germany trying to recapture Sofie's life. Connecting with and building relationships with several Afro-Germans, many of whom I am still in touch with to this day. I have traveled to historic locations in Germany that stood out to me, watched any interviews I could find on the topic, and over the years, I have developed a strong empathy for the fate of Afro-Germans during Nazi Germany.

My Story

After graduating from Howard University, I went on to acquire nearly 10 years of working on set in various positions ranging from first team production assistant, TV Director shadow, camera PA, scenic artist, Director and Producer assistant, teamster, independent film producer, and most recently, showrunner assistant.

This story has been in the making for 10 years now and I am finally here.

Current Team

Director/Writer/Producer - Zoé Munlyn

Producer - Zena Aleksandra Kießner

Producer - Nina Rausch

Producer - Azra Isakovic

Director of Photography - Laura Merians - https://lauramerians.com

Los Angeles Filming Location - Franklin Canyon Park:

(Playing as Germany)