Frameline50: Kai Stänicke On His Exquisite, Gay-Themed Homage To ‘Dogville:’ ‘Trial of Hein’ [VIDEO]

German filmmaker Kai Stänicke’s exquisite debut feature, Trial of Hein (Der Heimatlose), is an intimate, unsettling exploration of identity, belonging and memory, set in an unspecified location and time in history (although not contemporary), using a semi-abstract, facade-like set design, often evoking Lars von Trier’s masterpiece Dogville, not just in the look but also in character portrayals and themes, which was no coincidence as Stänicke was inspired by the film.

The narrative centers on Hein (Paul Boche), an attractive young man who returns to the cloistered island community he left 14 years earlier. He is greeted by townsfolk who claim not to recognize him—including his family and close friends. So the leaders of the village decide to hold a trial to determine if he’s indeed Hein.

One of the protagonist’s key reasons for returning is because he left behind his first true love, Friedmann (Philip Froissant) who initially pretends not to know Hein. Although, later in the narrative, a more nuanced and telling queer story emerges.

The film has a great deal to say about the damaging and destructive coercion to conformity that pervade many small towns. And because Stänicke handles things with just the right realistic/absurdist tone, the results are transcendent.

Stänicke’ studied film at X Filme Creative Pool and made a number of celebrated shorts including Cold Star, It’s Consuming Me, Gay Goth Scene, Golden and the animated Pace.

Trial of Hein debuted at this year’s Berlinale and won the Teddy Jury Award.

You can read a more in-depth review of the film HERE.

The film will screen at Frameline in San Francisco on June 25, 2026. For tix: FRAMELINE.

It will be released in the U.S. later this year via Strand Releasing.

The Contending had a fab chat with the gifted writer-director.