A Jewish woman named Jettel Redlich flees Nazi Germany with her daughter Regina, to join her husband, Walter, on a farm in Kenya. At first, Jettel refuses to adjust to her new circumstances, bringing with her a set of china dishes and an evening gown. While Regina adapts readily to this new world, forming a strong bond with her father's cook, an African named Owuor.

Juliane Köhler
as Jettel Redlich

Merab Ninidze
as Walter Redlich

Sidede Onyulo
as Owuor

Matthias Habich
as Süßkind

Lea Kurka
as Regina (younger)

Karoline Eckertz
as Regina (older)

Gerd Heinz
as Max

Hildegard Schmahl
as Ina

Maritta Horwarth
as Liesel

Regine Zimmermann
as Käthe