Wildes Herz

For a long time, state authorities paid far less attention to right-wing groups in society than to the left-wing radical scene. This was demonstrated very clearly, among other things, by the delayed investigation of the NSU murders. There is a strong right-wing scene in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as many incidents have made clear. The punk band Feine Sahne Fischfilet was founded there in 2007 and in their songs, in distinct, sometimes provocative language, sings against racism, sexism and homophobia. At the same time, the band is committed to fighting the rural exodus and tries to give its fans something like a sense of home. The people there have had enough of their own frustrations and lack of prospects. The band with their singer Jan ‘Monchi’ Gorkow, the wild heart of the band, is seen as an enemy by the right wing. They were even observed by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution as radical left and the police described them as Western Pomerania’s most dangerous band. The band has long since broken through regional borders, plays nationwide in fully booked halls and at open air concerts.

The rousing documentary by the well-known theatre and film actor Charly Hübner (“Polizeiruf 110,” “3 Days in Quiberon,” “Bornholmer Straße”) and its editor and co-director Sebastian Schultz accompanied the band for three years; editing lasted another year. It begins with a look back at ‘Monchi’s’ life story, his increasing radicalisation and the start of the band Feine Sahne Fischfilet, which put his life on the right track. WILDES HERZ portrays the successful German punk band in front of and behind the scenes, at concerts and on an election campaign tour against the right. The group positions itself clearly on the left and is under observation by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. In the film, the band ironically thanks the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania constitutional protection office for the free ‘PR.’ The fans love the clear pronouncements of ‘Monchi’ in his simple, sometimes vulgar language. Regarding the flow of refugees from Syria, he only says, “We’re not going to let them perish.” Truth can be so simple, intelligent and correct.

Image © Eichholz Film