Film Review: Haubi
by Marinell Haegelin

Nizan Kasper, Germany 2023

Director Nizan Kasper went to great lengths to introduce audiences to “Haubi,” the nickname given to Hamburg’s central train station (Hauptbahnhof), and consequently his protagonist Noah. It’s where the two first came into contact when Noah asked for money. For their first legitimate meeting, Noah was a no-show. However, Kasper pays people on a daily basis for their work in his films; Noah appeared for their next appointment.

Besides the Hauptbahnhof, the “Oh, is this the Kunsthalle?” – Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, actually, and the main public library (Zentralbibliothek) are favorites of Noah’s for hanging out. There’re so many people, so much action—skateboarding’s better than drugs—and it’s a network of information overflow, e.g., Drob Inn helps low threshold homeless kids. For the eighteen-year-old it’s drugs, “crack, coked-up coke,” heroin, and, it was his begging that for him was a sign he’s an addict. Noah tried to go through rehabilitation, but he lost his apartment, “You never really sleep on the street.” He talks about his family background being irregular, police daily controlling, i.e., hassling, and the conversations between Noah and Nizan are enlightening. Noah’s passionate about art, specifically anime, and thinks “art heals,” knowledgeable about punk and goth that’s reflected in his clothes style—a mix of the two. The guy has a good sense of who he is, and isn’t, e.g., Noah is not a person who keeps in contact afterward.

Two things mark HAUBI as an outstanding film: Nizan Kasper’s superbly striking editing, and the respectful dignity with which Kasper treats Noah and his story; Noah’s a really nice, smart person. Kasper’s creativity in editing the experimental and expressionistically documentary compliments its subject matter and its mood. It’s a masterly achievement that Kasper’s assemblage of every layer makes sense and doesn’t leave viewers grappling with what’s happening. During Questions & Answers following the screening, Kasper explained he likes using different cameras for different effects, likes using color, and it’s important that visual and tone hang together. Also, that he shows people what he's filmed to check they’re OK with his using the footage, and if not that’s OK too. Kasper’s responsible for the filming, editing, and sound design. Remember this film’s name and if ever you get the chance, do see HAUBI and meet Noah.