East Germany, 1979. Two families are desperate to leave for the 'West' and plan to flee in a homemade hot air balloon. The amateurs make their first attempt, but close to the West German border, their balloon crash lands. They manage to avoid being caught, however, the wreckage from their escape attempt is found and that triggers a manhunt. Tension rises as the families, determined to try again in a race against time, are conscious of the search drawing ever closer.