UDI
Nico Beyer | DE | 2026 | German with UT
Contents
UDI is a pioneer in Berlin's nightlife who has shaped neighbourhoods and turned places into trendy hotspots. After a riot broke out in front of his shop and „being Jewish“ was suddenly no longer considered hip, the mood changed, while Udi continued to create his own universe as an artist between Berlin-Mitte, two daughters and monumental party collages.
With a flair for atmosphere, people and timing, he has created meeting spaces in which the most diverse worlds mingle: regulars, creatives, the neighbourhood, the scene - typical Berlin.
At the centre of his film is a life motto that should sound obvious in Berlin, but is becoming political again: Meeting other people with a smile and a positive attitude despite setbacks and resistance.
Current occasion: UDI wants to open a new bar in Berlin. But as he looks ahead, he is suddenly met with new forms of rejection - including an incident in which people rioted outside his shop. At the same time, it becomes clear that the tone in the city has changed. UDI experiences how he goes from being a celebrated scene favourite to an outsider - and how anti-Semitism is once again gaining ground, even in places where people consider themselves enlightened.
The film shows UDI as someone who does not give up, but carries on because we need people like this right now: Bridge builders, hosts, facilitators.
Context: Anti-Semitism in Berlin
The film about UDI was not made in a vacuum. Anti-Semitism is no longer a marginal phenomenon in Berlin. It is present in everyday life: on the street, on public transport, in university and cultural life, when shopping or in restaurants. A recent analysis by RIAS Berlin documents a total of 2521 antisemitic incidents, which is almost twice as many as in the previous year. In addition to insults, threats and graffiti, the number of physical attacks also increased significantly.
This development has concrete consequences: Many Jews in Berlin report that they are reducing their visibility, avoiding places or withdrawing from social spaces out of concern for safety, but also because of a growing lack of solidarity. The film about UDI thus also tells a larger Berlin reality: the question of how freely and naturally Jewish life is still possible today in urban spaces such as bars, clubs and cultural events.
Director: Nico Beyer
Camera: Michael Mieke
Editing: Michael Mieke
Sound: Jude Dulake
Music: Christian Meyer
Country: Germany
Year: 2026
Over 60sec.mentsh
60 seconds
can change a lot.
60secs.mentsh is a documentary film series that visualises Jewish life in Europe as a natural and enriching part of our society.
In collaboration with the renowned filmmaker Nico Beyer, we have developed 60sec.mentsh, a Europe-wide documentary film series that shows Jewish life in all its facets. We tell authentic stories of people who move, connect and challenge prejudices - in 60 seconds.
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Anyone who has reached the age of 18 and has their main place of residence in the EU can take part.
Exactly 60 seconds - no more, no less. The end credits do not count towards the total length.
An authentic, creative portrait of a Jewish person in Europe. Whether everyday life, work, family or culture. Anything that touches, moves or surprises is allowed.
Please submit your film in German or English. In case your film is shot in another language, please add subtitles in English.