In Denmark in 1967, people are on the streets protesting the Vietnam War. The newspapers and TV are reporting on the race to send the first man to the moon. But for young brothers Elmer and Erik, that mood of optimism and freedom are light years away. When their single mother falls seriously ill, the state sends them to the Gudbjerg boys' home. It is ruled by sadistic, self-righteous Headmaster Heck and operated according to archaic educational methods. He uses the boys entrusted to his care as cheap labor, and keeps them docile with beatings, humiliation and medication. Elmer and Erik are shocked and soon put all their energy into escape plans.

Inspired by recent revelations about abuse in Danish orphanages dating back to the 1960s, this hard-hitting but inspiring drama reunites the writer (Søren Sveistrup) and two of the stars from TV's popular The Killing (Lars Mikkelsen, Sofie Gråbøl).

Winner: Audience Award, Hamburg