Changing Room

Directed by Paul Mertins

Fritz is one of the most gifted young footballers at his local club. Renowned for nurturing talent, the club enjoys an outstanding reputation – those who make a name for themselves here stand a strong chance of attracting the interest of top-tier scouts. Fritz is the latest example of this. On the eve of a crucial league match, he learns that he has indeed attracted attention. Yet, the news fails to bring him real joy. For some time now, Fritz has felt increasingly out of place in the world of football. The sport’s pervasive homophobia and ingrained sexism – which have also cast a shadow over his friendship with his teammate and closest friend, Elias – weigh heavily on him. And so, just as he stands on the brink of achieving his lifelong dream Fritz finds himself contemplating walking away from it all. We follow him through this defining match – from the final training session to the halftime team talk and, ultimately, the victory celebrations – which may turn out to be his last.