The Lohmeyers stand up to the neo-Nazis in their German village with a rock festival.

Birgit and Horst Lohmeyer live in a village mainly inhabited by staunch neo-Nazis. Once a year the couple takes a public stand against the right with a rock festival that attracts such iconic bands as “Die Ärzte”. The tiny village of Jamel in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern can be quite frightening. Almost all of the 40 inhabitants are staunchly right-wing, but Birgit and Horst Lohmeyer are exceptions. They want to do something to counter the rising blood-and-soil ideology. For the past eight years, they’ve been putting together a festival in their village that takes a stand against the far right. Some local residents have reacted with hostility, and tried to drive the couple out. Their barn was even burned down by an unknown assailant. The Lohmeyers say it’s an oppressive atmosphere, except for a few days each year when bands and fans fill the village. Cult bands like “Die Ärzte”, “Die Toten Hosen” and “Fettes Brot” have already joined the event to stand up for tolerance and openness. The right, however, won’t stand for it. Will things remain peaceful? A report by Mariel Müller.
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