Documentary about the first five decades of the Eurovision Song Contest

Schlager is the stalwart of German pop culture and emerges stronger from every modernization crisis. But what are the stories behind the flawless backdrop of the German Schlager world? What makes Schlager stars true artists and German songs a perennial commercial success? The 90-minute documentary "Deutschland Schlagerland" goes in search of the personal stories behind the music, travels to provincial stages and big cities, talks to producers and performers. The aim is no less than to explain and understand the social and cultural phenomenon of "Schlager" in its entirety.

In 2026, the Eurovision Song Contest celebrates its 70th anniversary. With around 160 million viewers, the ESC is one of the world's biggest music spectacles. This documentary looks back on seven decades filled with music, emotions and passion. From its beginnings as a chanson competition in 1956 through flamboyant outfits and spectacular performances to unforgettable victories, bitter defeats and the political debates of the recent past. Stars like Jean Paul Gaultier, Hape Kerkeling, Tom Neuwirth (aka Conchita Wurst), and Germany's first ESC winner, Nicole, share their experiences on and off stage. The documentary paints a multifaceted portrait of the ESC, highlighting its profound influence on music, fashion, and society, as well as on the LGBTQIA+ community, thus becoming a vibrant journey through seven decades of European pop culture history.