08/10/2025 - The German directorial duo are planning an early 2026 release for this crime story, which attempts to convey the message that anything is possible if you really try

The cast and crew of In the Sign of the Dragon on set (© Royal Movie Production/Enrico Staller)

In the Sign of the Dragon is the second feature-length film involving young filmmakers Enrico Saller and Marina Hoeft, who previously worked on The Dark Girl together in 2023. While Hoeft took on one of the acting roles in that movie, Saller directed it. On this new project, they both serve as directors. Saller, who has racked up considerable experience in film and photography since his teens, is responsible for the script. Hoeft is keeping up her acting career and will play one of the characters in this movie, too.

The shoot for In the Sign of the Dragon lasted 21 days and took place in spring this year, in Bavaria. The film is now in post-production, and in the final stages of sound design, score composition and colour grading. Principal photography took place in the Bavarian Forest, including some iconic attractions such as the Dragon Cave in Furth im Wald, the catacombs in Zwiesel and the abbey in Fürstenzell. Therefore, it makes sense that the Bavarian Forest Tourism Association would be one of the financial supporters of the project. Besides this institution, the production team was able to count on help from the districts of Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate, which was essential considering that no official film funding bodies were on board.

Saller and Hoeft promote their project as “a new German crime-thriller with a star-studded cast”. The story goes as follows: “One single moment changes everything: detective chief inspector Michael loses his hearing in an explosion during a police operation. What follows are years of isolation, self-doubt and withdrawal from active service. Only a request from his former colleague brings him back – as a consulting investigator on a mysterious murder case that pushes him to his emotional and physical limits.” The logline is: “In the Sign of the Dragon tells the story of a man fighting not only criminals, but also his own demons. On his journey, he discovers new forms of perception, regains his inner strength and finds a woman who truly sees him for what he is.”

When asked about their ambition for the movie, the directors say: “We believe we can show how crime storytelling might develop in the future. We combine familiar viewing traditions with a young, international spirit. At the heart of the film remains a message: anything is possible if you really try.”

Alongside Hoeft, who plays a supporting role herself, the cast includes German-Turkish actor Erol Sander, who has lengthy experience in theatre and on German TV, as well as in film productions, as the detective; Nastassja Kinski (Dark Satellites [+see also:
trailer
film profile]) as the chief of police; and Charles Rettinghau, one of Germany’s most famous voice actors, appearing in a key role as an art historian. Flanking them will be Amira Aly, Erdogan Atalay (Bez trenek) and Verena Kringe, among others.

In the Sign of the Dragon is being produced by Royal Movie Production. Funding was provided by regional bodies, such as the districts of Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate, and the Bavarian Forest Tourism Association, but no official film funding was offered. The theatrical release is planned for early 2026. Distribution details are not yet known.

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