In the summer of 1979, two East German families attempt the impossible. In a makeshift hot-air balloon, they risk their lives and fly towards West Germany with hopes of freedom and a better life. Unfortunately, the balloon crash-lands just before they reach the West German border and the Stasi soon discover evidence of the attempted escape. In a nerve-wracking race against the clock, the two families must now rush to build a new escape balloon before the notorious Stasi can catch them.