Two families in East Germany, desperate to escape to the West, construct a homemade hot air balloon in the summer of 1979. After their first attempt crashes due to rain, they narrowly avoid capture and decide to try again. A desperate manhunt ensues as the authorities track down the would-be escapees, while the families must build a more robust balloon and avoid leaving clues to stay one step ahead.

Balloon
In 1979, two families in East Germany risk everything to escape the communist regime, building a second hot-air balloon to reach freedom in the West, all while evading the relentless pursuit of the East German State Police.