A young Black man grapples with his toxic cycle, his day unfolding through a visual poem set to a tape cassette that weaves the rhythm of his struggles, echoing his journey toward self-awareness and change.

The work alludes to the use of the word “wave” in German media, such as “migrant tsunami” and “migrant wave”, used to intimidate the public. The film suggests the flow of migration as a natural part of human existence by comparing it to the movement and circulation of waves that have always been everywhere.

Amidst lush foliage, vibrant flower beds, babbling brooks and neatly kept lawns, characters move tentatively. As they carefully observe and interact with their surroundings and each other, a mysterious tension is growing. Beautifully shot on 16mm, and accompanied by the rousing sounds of music from Nika Son, Helena Wittman’s latest work is a feast for the eyes and the ears.