Fatih Akin and Diane Kruger Reunite for WWII Drama "Amrum"

The film, which premiered at Cannes, is set to release in New York and Los Angeles this spring.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 7:50pm

Reuniting after their 2017 collaboration "In the Fade", director Fatih Akin and actress Diane Kruger have teamed up again for the WWII-set drama "Amrum". The film, which also stars Laura Tonke, Jasper Billerbeck, and Lisa Hagmeister, premiered to acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival last year and is now set to be released by Kino Lorber in New York on April 17 and Los Angeles on April 24.

Why it matters

Akin and Kruger's previous collaboration, "In the Fade", was a critical success, earning Kruger the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. "Amrum" marks their second partnership and continues their exploration of weighty historical themes through an intimate character-driven story.

The details

"Amrum" is a coming-of-age tale set in the final months of World War II on the German island of Amrum. The story follows 12-year-old Nanning as he navigates the hardships of wartime while holding onto the hope that his Nazi officer father will return home. However, as news of Germany's imminent defeat spreads, Nanning is forced to confront the true nature of the enemy.

  • The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025.
  • "Amrum" will be released in New York on April 17, 2026 and in Los Angeles on April 24, 2026.

The players

Fatih Akin

A German filmmaker known for his critically acclaimed films exploring themes of identity, migration, and social issues.

Diane Kruger

An acclaimed German-American actress who has starred in numerous international films, including Akin's previous work "In the Fade".

Kino Lorber

An independent film distribution company that has acquired the rights to release "Amrum" in the United States.

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What’s next

The film is set to have a limited release in New York and Los Angeles in April 2026 before potentially expanding to wider distribution.

The takeaway

"Amrum" continues the fruitful collaboration between acclaimed director Fatih Akin and actress Diane Kruger, exploring the personal impact of World War II through an intimate coming-of-age story. The film's critical acclaim at Cannes suggests it may be a powerful and thought-provoking addition to the director's filmography.