The Circle

Director: Stefan Haupt

Runtime: 102 minutes

Germany 2014

German with English Subtitles

Brattle Theatre

Zurich: 1958. Bashful teacher Ernst Ostertag and cabaret artist Robi Rapp get to know one another in the Swiss underground organization called “Der Kreis.” (The Circle). As the men defend their love, they witness the heyday and decline of this Europe-wide pioneering organization for gay emancipation. This documentary uncovers the fascinating universe of one of the first gay liberation communities. Enriched by impressive conversational records with Ernst Ostertag and Röbi Rapp, the film depicts a decades-long love story and reveals the couple’s inspiring self-knowledge and courage.