The ZDF will air on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 11:50 p.m. in the series “Das kleine Fernsehspiel” the queer feature film “Eismayer.” The award-winning feature debut from director David Wagner was produced as a joint project by ZDF and Arte and tells the true story of Vice Lieutenant Charles Eismayer and recruit Mario Falak.
Eismayer is regarded as one of the toughest instructors in the Austrian Armed Forces, is married, has a son—and for years concealed his homosexuality. When the openly gay recruit Mario Falak begins his service, Eismayer’s double life begins to wobble. Between the two men, a relationship develops that ultimately forces him to make a decision. After their public coming-out, the real Eismayer and Falak married as the first gay couple in guard uniform in an Austrian barracks.
Gerhard Liebmann plays Eismayer, Luka Dimić takes on Falak, Julia Koschitz appears as Eismayer’s wife Christina. For his first screenplay, director David Wagner spoke with both men several times and consulted numerous former recruits to explore how polarizing the character of Eismayer is.
Direct link | Trailer for the film
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“Eismayer” arrived in German cinemas in June 2023 and won, among other accolades, several Austrian Film Awards as well as the Audience Award and the Film Critics Award at the Max Ophüls Prize festival. Gerhard Liebmann was also honored with the German Acting Award for his portrayal of the authoritarian trainer.
