23 000 Lives 2026

23 000 Lives (2026) (German: 23 000 Leben) is a German drama directed by Markus Goller and written by Oliver Ziegenbalg in collaboration with Michele Cinque. Inspired by the true story of the humanitarian organization Jugend Rettet, the film follows a group of young volunteers who launch a sea rescue mission in the Mediterranean to save refugees risking their lives during dangerous crossings. Starring Louis Hofmann, Mala Emde, and Katharina Stark, the film premiered at the Munich Film Festival before making its global debut on Netflix on July 17, 2026.

23 000 Lives (2026) Storyline

Unable to ignore the growing humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean, a group of young people from Berlin decides to take action. Although none of them has experience in maritime rescue, they launch a crowdfunding campaign to purchase an old fishing vessel and transform it into a rescue ship.

Their mission begins with hope and determination as they set sail to save refugees attempting the dangerous journey to Europe. What starts as an act of compassion soon becomes far more complicated, forcing the volunteers to confront legal obstacles, political pressure, and difficult moral choices.

As their efforts expand and thousands of lives are saved, the group discovers that doing the right thing often comes at a personal cost. Inspired by real events, 23 000 Lives tells a story of courage, solidarity, and the power of ordinary people to make an extraordinary difference.

Cast

• Louis Hofmann as Lukas
• Mala Emde as Kitty
• Katharina Stark as Nina
• Maria Dragus as Viola
• Frederick Lau as Sören
• Trevor Magaya as Lamin
• Kathy Etoa as Rose
• Luisa-Céline Gaffron
• Corinna Harfouch
• Herbert Knaup

Production Details

Directed by Markus Goller, 23 000 Lives is based on the real-life story of the German humanitarian initiative Jugend Rettet, whose volunteers organized civilian rescue missions in the Mediterranean. The screenplay was written by Oliver Ziegenbalg in collaboration with Michele Cinque. The film was produced by Neue Flimmer, Sunny Side Up Film, and Lazy Film, with filming taking place in Berlin and Malta to recreate the rescue operations at sea. Academy Award-winning composer Volker Bertelmann composed the film’s score.

Release Date and Where to Watch

Following its world premiere at the Munich Film Festival, 23 000 Lives received a limited theatrical release in Germany before launching globally on Netflix on July 17, 2026.