The "Bel Ami"
A redlight marriage
For a very long time, Detlef Uhlmann – now 70 years old – was Germany's most successful nightclub owner. For 30 years, he ran the notorious Berlin "Bel Ami" club, surrounded by VIPs from politics, sports, and society – and led a life of luxury. But in 2009, his life was altered drastically: he was imprisoned for tax evasion and lost a great deal of money. His detention continues until today.
In jail, Uhlmann has found no peace. Im August 2012, in a state of panic triggered by further imminent legal proceedings, he fled Germany and went abroad. He remained free for 72 hours before returning to prison, contrite and tearful. Meanwhile, his wife Simone must cope with the consequences of her husband's extensive escapades. She has moved out of their jointly owned villa with her three daughters. Uhlmann gambled away his freedom, and will remain in custody until the next trial. At this point, no date has been set for this release.
We plan to accompany Detlef Uhlmann, his wife Simone, and their children for a period of one year. The documentary will feature the rise and fall of a nightclub owner and his wife. The lives and personalities of Detlef and Simone Uhlmann encompass yearnings, dreams and nightmares, pitfalls and mistakes, hubris and resentment, criminal energy and exaggerated sentimentality.
