Nuclear Sunset Cruise

A clueless East German cruise ship accidentally sails straight into the Cuban Missile Crisis. With nuclear war looming and deckchair battles raging, the real question is: can they survive each other long enough to dodge Armageddon?

October 1962: The MS Völkerfreundschaft, East Germany’s first cruise ship, sets sail for Cuba – right into the heart of the Cuban Missile Crisis. While the world teeters on the brink of nuclear war, 500 clueless passengers enjoy buffets, cocktails, and fierce deckchair battles. But as they near Cuba, some realise their dream cruise may end in disaster. When a U.S. destroyer aims its guns at the ship, chaos erupts on board. Turn back – or push through? A darkly funny Cold War adventure about love, politics, and the world’s most dangerous vacation.

Producer's note

When we first heard this story ten years ago, we were flabbergasted that no one had ever made a film or series about this quirky yet charming historical footnote. Our imaginations immediately ran wild with ideas of secret state affairs, high-level political intrigue, and perhaps even a defiant gesture towards American capitalism. But when we spoke to the people who were actually there – the ship’s crew and passengers – most of them said they didn’t think much of the fighter jets and warships surrounding them. It was just “typical American posturing,” they thought, until they returned to Warnemünde three weeks later and realised they had broken through a blockade.

Despite the project’s well-researched foundation and the intrigue it always sparked, it never quite took off – until Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 gave it new urgency, leading to a green light from Degeto. We understand why: the story of this series serves as a reminder of how important it is to remain calm in times of crisis and to keep the lines of communication open. After all, the Cuban Missile Crisis led to the creation of the Red Phone – a direct connection between Washington and Moscow.

At the same time, "Völkerfreundschaft" is a light-hearted story that we know ends well. In a world where the news is often dark, we aim to entertain, make people laugh, and offer a reminder of the enduring power of human connection during tumultuous times.

We believe that "Völkerfreundschaft" is the perfect co-production project, given its universal themes, historical significance, and global appeal. We are excited to bring this unique story to life with the support of international partners.

Screenwiter's note

One of us grew up in the GDR, so this project is a playful dive back into a time when socialist ideals still felt fresh and, for some, genuinely inspiring. The GDR was surprisingly progressive in some ways – women held high-powered roles, and the population clung to dreams of fairness and equality. The MSVölkerfreundschaft, with its bugs and hidden Stasi informants, represents the proud, slightly awkward pride of East Germany. It's the "luxury liner" of socialism, complete with mandatory party meetings, suspicious glances, and a kind of absurd paradise for those privileged to set sail. A ship bound for "freedom" and "solidarity" becomes a floating surveillance state. Yet, the story resonates today: with renewed East-West tensions, the ship’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, understanding, and human connection, even in conflict.

Subjects:
feel good, rural life, humour, based on a true story, friendship, women, design