THE LIGHTER SIDE

Streaker

Flitzer

PETER LUISI
Switzerland, 2017
98 minutes, Color

A new type of sports hero is born in this fast-paced comedy from the writer-director of The Sandman (FFDC 2012), Unlikely Heroes (FFDC 2015), and Bonjour Switzerland (FFDC 2024). After losing his employer's money on what should have been a sure bet, sad-sack high school teacher Balz Näf needs to replace the funds pronto. Taking inspiration from the streaker who distracted his heavily favored soccer team, he starts recruiting exhibitionists for a new type of illegal sports betting: How long can a naked runner stay on the soccer field? Näf's enterprising hairdresser lays out odds for fans to wager and shares the proceeds with Näf. Although streaking becomes a trendy new sport in Switzerland, the soccer club owners are furious and police commissioner Sandra Strebel takes on the case. This witty and humorous romp offers excellent scripting and direction and, um, revealing performances from a seasoned cast.—Various sources

In German with English subtitles