Jung von Matt: BMW plays the hero in a gripping knife-edge historical drama. And it’s true

In 1964, at least nine people found freedom in West Berlin with the help of a BMW Isetta. This was an incredible feat. The Berlin Wall was one of the most heavily guarded borders in modern history. Many tried to cross it to escape from Soviet-run East Germany, failed – and were punished. One of the most popular ways to try to cross the border was to hide in a car. It was rarely successful.

The BMW Isetta was a tiny car, a one-person car – one person and a passenger, only just. But in 1964, West Berliner Klaus-Günter Jacobi turned his Isetta into an escape vehicle by having a hidden compartment built into the car’s infrastructure, to get a friend out. He did so only once. The car, with its petrol tank removed, could not be re-registered. But he inspired others.

Jung von Matt has recreated the story for BMW, with director Alex Feil.

The new story was written by Jung von Matt creative director, David Leinweber, and executive creative director, Thim Wagner, based on information collected about the crossings. Its nerve-tingling suspense was added by Feil, who also undertook the difficult task of researching the original story fully, and editor, Iain Whitewright from Whitehouse London.

The film finishes with the life-affirming motto, Freedom and independence for all.