The world of cinema often reflects societal concerns, and the new ZDF thriller "Flucht aus Lissabon" (Escape from Lisbon) is no exception. Starring Hans Sigl, renowned for his role as the "Der Bergdoktor" (The Mountain Doctor), this film dives deep not just geographically—moving from the serene Tyrolean Alps to the vibrant streets of Lisbon—but thematically, exploring issues ripe for discussion today, such as fake news and election manipulation.
At 55, Sigl steps out of his comfort zone, portraying Tom Fährmann, a former fugitive helper with secrets lurking in his past. "The story of a former lawyer who goes underground as a fugitive helper and is called to Lisbon to protect a witness intrigued me deeply," Sigl commented during interviews leading up to the film's release. He believes the film's relevant themes make it particularly compelling: "Fake news and election manipulation. You couldn't come up with something more timely right now."
Directed by Steffi Doehlemann, the thriller follows Fährmann, who is tasked by the German Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) to locate and protect Sophia Moreno, played by Hana Sofia Lopes, who is experiencing her own harrowing ordeal. When her seven-year-old son Noa, portrayed by Santiago André, is taken hostage by hackers, the rescue mission spirals out of control. The hackers demand Sophia's software, which they plan to use to manipulate presidential elections in the fictional African state of Kitwana. The stakes are raised as Sophia is forced to choose between her intense love for her child and the fate of a nation.
Hans-Hinrich Koch, the producer and writer of the film, conveys the alarming relevance of the story. "While researching the shadowy figures who manipulate elections through fake news and disinformation campaigns for the screenplay, I realized: there is nothing larger than life about this; it's already frighteningly real," he explained. This sense of urgency resonates with Sigl on a personal level as he reflects on the discussions he's had with his children about the pervasive influence of fake news. "The moment you turn on your phone and go to social media, it seems like you're already encountering fake news," Sigl noted, emphasizing the need for developing media literacy among youth.
The film was shot entirely in Lisbon, presenting unique challenges to its multinational crew. Sigl noted, "The big challenge during filming was, as always, time. The beautiful part was the team was largely Portuguese, and we spoke Portuguese, English, and German on set." Lopes, who grew up multilingual, found playing the role of Sophia particularly challenging as it was her first time portraying a mother on screen, especially as she doesn't have children of her own yet.
Lisbon itself not only provides stunning backdrops for the film but also poses logistical hurdles. Koch remarked on their filming locations: “We shot at very touristy spots and faced not only heavy rains during the shoot but also challenges related to Sahara sand and the wild Atlantic's maritime conditions.” Such obstacles were part of the filmmaking experience, though, creating lasting memories for the cast. Marion Kracht, aged 62, who plays the BKA's department head Iris Martenstein added, “I have been to Portugal many times and love it dearly. Lisbon is such a dreamy city.” For viewers, her recommendation is to enjoy the view at the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, where she suggests ordering “a cool white port wine with tonic.”
"Flucht aus Lissabon" joins Sigl's lineup of thrilling roles, following his performances in "Das Geheimnis des Königssees" (2008), "Flucht durchs Höllental" (2019), and "Der Feind meines Feindes" (2022). The film will air on March 17, 2025, at 20:15 on ZDF, with availability on the Mediathek, ensuring audiences can experience this timely thrill ride from the comfort of their homes.
