Dancing, drugs and death - The excesses of Berlin’s club culture | DW Documentary

Berlin is the unofficial nightlife capital of the world. This makes it a magnet for partygoers looking for hedonistic release. But that excitement sometimes ends in tragedy, as in the case of a young American woman who died of a drug overdose at Berghain, the city’s most iconic club. Are recreational drugs tolerated within club culture? If so, what responsibility lies with the clubs themselves? What responsibility lies with police and policymakers? When Jenifer and Carlo manage to get into Berghain, they can hardly believe their luck. Like many in the club that night, the two young Americans take ecstasy. A few hours’ later, Jenifer dies from multiple organ failure. Carla Röthig’s documentary centers on interviews with people at the heart of this party scene. Roman Shamov worked as a barkeeper at Berghain for many years and is shocked at the young woman’s death. He and other Berlin nightlife protagonists explore the fascination of the city’s club scene - and that of Berghain in particular.