Nice Guy - short film

The Incel movement (abbrevabriation involuntarily celibate) is a male online subculture that considers itself involuntarily abstent or celibate. It was founded in 1997 by a woman named Alana as an online support group for shy and lonely singles of all genders and sexualities. She left the group in 2000, which then gradually developed into a pure mens’ group. From a psychological point of view, Incels have, explained in a simplified way, difficulties in establishing platonic, romantic or sexual relationships and therefore associate relationships with negative emotions such as frustration, anger and resignation. These emotions can expand to social structures, gender dynamics, beauty standards and social hierarchies. In the last 10-15 years, this support group has been increasingly hijacked by various extremist groups who use the vulnerability of the members in order to radicalize them for their purposes. Through online echo chambers (so-called "bubbles"), the members sometimes radicalize each other as well.

We want to show what a radicalization can look like in the everyday life of a young man. We tell the story of Michael, an average 30-year-old heterosexual man who has unconsciously lost the social connection since his school days, thereby clinging to his few remaining social contacts and otherwise exclusively digital relationships. Through his loneliness, he develops mental problems, but does not face them due to old social norms and stigmas. As a result, he continues to isolate himself until he ultimately radicalizes and withdraws completely from society. Michael stands as a tragic warning for current young people and young men whose social contacts break away from clubs and other third places and shift to the digital world.

"Nice Guy" shows a problem in society that is completely unknown to many, but is constantly growing. By supporting the project, this problem can be made accessible to a larger mass on an audio-visual level. At the same time, we are also taking new, partly experimental paths in the cinematic adaptation.

A film shoot is comparable to moving to a new city every day. Similar to a move, the entire team of more than 40 people supports us out of pure love for arts and completely without pay. For this, similar to a move, we have to ensure that everyone is well-fed and accommodated.