On July 19, 1979, the Sandinista People’s Revolution in Nicaragua overthrew the brutal dictator Somoza and made the world dream.

The construction of a new, more social and just society “between the blocks” seemed possible. Tens of thousands from all over the world travel to the small Central American country to support the young government and rebuild the plundered country.

From what was then West Germany alone, over 15,000 supporters made their way to the small Central American country. In international brigades, they harvested coffee and cotton, built schools, kindergartens and health centers to rebuild the maltreated country. The purchase of “Nica coffee” becomes a symbol of international solidarity with the country.

The Contra, which is supported by Somoza supporters and the USA, attempts to overthrow the revolution and restore the old balance of power.

The civil war costs the lives of 50,000 Nicarguans and German “reconstruction helpers” are also kidnapped and killed by the Contra in the 1980s.

And then the unbelievable happens: in April 2018, students protested against the former revolutionary hero and current president Daniel Ortega. Over 400 people were shot dead by paramilitaries. The country sinks into a bloodbath. Ortega’s international supporters are also increasingly being targeted. They have been collecting money for projects in Nicaragua for 45 years. Today, they fear for their lives and are fleeing the country. Those who remain no longer dare to raise their voices against the former revolutionary hero.

Director: Petra Hoffmann
Writer: Petra Hoffmann
Camera: Börres Weiffenbach
Editor: Rafael Maier
Sound: Erick Vargas
Production: HANFGARN & UFER Filmproduktion
Co-production: hope medien Film- und Fernsehproduktion
Sponsored by: nordmedia, ZDF / ARTE, Deutsche Welle and Film- and Medienstiftung NRW

Costa Rica

Germany

France

Nicaragua