Walk to Syracuse in Gelsenkirchen: Moving cinema between freedom and homeland
Date and Time
Artist
Location
Price
About this Event
Mood
Venue Type
Walk to Syracuse: A moving journey between freedom and homeland
On Tuesday, November 17, 2026, the Municipal Cinema Gelsenkirchen will show the German film Walk to Syracuse at Schauburg Filmpalast. The screening starts at 5:45 PM and takes the audience to the year 1982, in a GDR where longing for the outside world, personal freedom, and state borders are inextricably linked.
A big dream and a daring plan
Paul Gompitz, played by Charly Hübner, dreams of a journey to Syracuse. Following in the footsteps of the poet Johann Gottlieb Seume, he wants to explore the eastern coast of Sicily. However, Paul lives in the GDR, and his official applications for emigration are rejected. Between longing and loyalty, a risky decision matures: He plans to escape – not to leave his homeland forever, but to return to his wife Anne, portrayed by Lina Beckmann, in Rostock after a fulfilling journey.
Cinematic experience with historical background
Director Lars Jessen tells a story about courage, love, and the quest for personal freedom. The film combines drama, road movie, and literary adaptation, drawing on motifs from Friedrich Christian Delius' narrative The Walk from Rostock to Syracuse. With fine humor and great emotions, a multifaceted event experience emerges about German history, belonging, and the question of how far a person can go for their dream.
Audience atmosphere at Schauburg Filmpalast
The screening will take place in the traditional Schauburg Filmpalast on Horster Straße. As part of the KoKi series New German Film, the evening is aimed at cinema fans, literature enthusiasts, and viewers who appreciate sophisticated contemporary German films with historical depth. The runtime is 97 minutes, and the film is rated suitable for ages 6 and older.
Organization and admission
The event is organized by the Municipal Cinema Gelsenkirchen. The regular admission price is 7.50 Euros, with reduced tickets available for 6.50 Euros. Holders of the GE pass pay 4.00 Euros. Additionally, KoKi-10-Card options are available for 60.00 Euros or reduced for 52.00 Euros. Discounts apply to students, retirees, unemployed individuals, persons with disabilities, and holders of the Gelsenkirchen volunteer card upon presentation of a valid ID.
Conclusion: An evening full of longing and excitement
Walk to Syracuse combines historical atmosphere, strong acting, and a touching story about freedom and homeland. Those who wish to experience German cinema with emotional depth, literary references, and social relevance will find a remarkable evening at Schauburg Filmpalast.
Official channels for Walk to Syracuse:
- Instagram: no official profile found
- Facebook: no official profile found
- YouTube: no official profile found
- TikTok: no official profile found
