Lalo (Lamin Leroy Gibba) and Karla (Melodie Simina) are best friends: they’re Black, queer and live in Hamburg. After the death of his father, Lalo’s life spirals into chaos. Living temporarily with Karla, he’s happy when he manages to secure a spot in a group exhibition. Meanwhile, Karla’s life seems to be on track – until she faces a boundary-crossing boss and has to confront her past at a school reunion. Blending comedy and drama, the series includes moments of delightful absurdity. The directing duo, Elisha Smith-Leverock (episodes 1–4) and David Uzochukwu (episodes 5–8), maintain an intimate connection with the characters, portraying them authentically in all their complexity. Standout performances from Gibba and Simina add unique and convincing depth to the narrative.
The Grimme-nominated series has been available in the ARD media library since October 2024. It captivates audiences with its bold storytelling and outstanding cast and crew, consisting primarily of Black artists and people of colour.

Following the screening, Smith-Leverock and the episode’s co-writer, Lisa Tracy Michalik, will discuss the film-making process – from scriptwriting and filming to the distinctive Schwarze Früchte aesthetic, its characters and directing strategies.

Lisa Tracy Michalik is a writer, poet, curator and together with Lamin Leroy Gibba, Sarah Claire Wray, Sophia Ayissi Nsegue and Naomi Kelechi Odhiambo part of the Schwarze Früchte writers’ room. Together with David Sridharan, she won WDR and NDR’s Macht Serie funding.