A German journalist travels to southern Thailand to report on a rebel group – and hopes for his big break. But when reality defies his expectations, he begins to distort the truth. Good News is a dense, morally complex drama about ambition, deception and the fragile line between fact and fiction. UCM.ONE is releasing the film on the Artkeim² label in selected cinemas in Germany from 22 May 2025.
Synopsis
The movie is about the Journalist Leo, who hopes to finally make an international breakthrough with a report on a rebel group in Thailand. His friend Mawar helps him to make local contacts. In return, Leo promises to support him with a new start in Germany. However, when the editorial team provides him with photographer Julian without being asked, Leo becomes increasingly entangled in a web of lies and morally questionable decisions, putting everyone involved in danger.
Hannes Schilling’s award-winning feature film Good News takes a penetrating look at the challenges journalists face in the service of their careers as they are torn between ethical principles and professional success. The story explores the delicate boundaries between ethics and ambition, friendship and betrayal, and questions how far a person is willing to go to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Press quotes
‘In his claustrophobic chamber play, Hannes Schilling takes us deep into human abysses in the middle of Thailand’s jungle.’ (WAZ)
“The title “Good News” shows the tone of Hannes Schilling’s small, subtle black and white drama. He doesn’t let his weak hero perish mercilessly – but rather brutally flounder.” (Hamburger Abendblatt)
‘This film will delight all those who have always considered reporters to be producers of fake news.’(Braunschweiger Zeitung)
‘How the reporter with an innocent look plunges others into ruin like a criminal, appropriating a foreign culture like a tourist, is absolutely worth seeing, not only for “fake news” researchers.’ (Thüringer Allgemeine)
‘Relotius Reloaded: An ambitious reporter invents a powerful story – with consequences: “Good News” is strong cinema.’ (Berliner Morgenpost)
“Hannes Schilling’s black and white film is convincing in many respects. It is also a discourse on the state of truth.Something that has not only come into focus with regard to reportage in sometimes exotic locations since the Spiegel affair surrounding Claas Relotius. (Programmkino.de)
“In this stringently narrated film with growing tension, the protagonists stumble towards an uncertain finale in the heart of darkness. Using the example of his convincingly characterised characters, the director succeeds in demonstrating not only the moral pitfalls of a journalism that relies on spectacle.” (Film+Kunst)
“Tension is guaranteed, with scenes that really hurt to watch. One is rightly reminded of the case of Claas Relotius, who invented reports for Der Spiegel, often from the opposite side of the world.”(Verdi Magazin)
‘The elegant-looking black-and-white images and the frequent use of hand-held cameras create an exciting contrast, while the narrative tone alternates between tragicomedy and suspense.’ (Spielfilm.de)
‘GOOD NEWS takes a critical look at power, morality and responsibility in journalism and holds up a mirror to all those who report in the name of justice.’ (Vision Kino)
