(16.06.2006)
BEHIND THE WORLD
A film by Oliver Schwabe
At the age of nine, twins Bill and Tom Kaulitz from Magdeburg decided to become famous. At the age of twelve, they form a band together with Gustav Schäfer and Georg Listing, who will take over the world as of 2005 under the name Tokio Hotel. They are amazed, ridiculed, hated and revered ….
The success is gigantic: Platinum in 68 countries, sold out concerts and Bill becomes a style icon.
Rich and famous in their early 20s, the twins fly to Los Angeles by private jet, leaving behind thousands of devoted fans and a life behind protective walls. They want their freedom back … without knowing what the future holds.
The film delves into the lives of the band, accompanying Bill and Tom through Californian deserts and visiting Gustav and Georg in their hometown, Magdeburg, on the banks of the river Elbe.. They talk about the price of success, the inseparability of twins, about love, sexuality, home and music. The band comes together in a Berlin studio to produce their new album and to prepare for their next world tour.
With steely determination and a lifetime of experience already, the band follows their childhood dream: the pop fairy tale that is Tokio Hotel continues…
To see photo sets, click an image
Book + Director: Oliver Schwabe
Camera: Benjamin Wistorf
Edited by: Christan Becker
Sound: Filipp Forberg, Martin Ehleben, Oliver Prasniker
Production manager: Rolf Bremenkamp
Producer: Monika Mack
Produced by: Birgit Schulz
Editor: Christian von Behr (RBB / ARTE), Birgit Keller-Reddemann (WDR), Oliver Schwehm (ARTE)
In co-production with the RBB, ARTE and the WDR
Sponsored by the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW
World Sales: New Docs / Elina Kewitz