Germany has more billionaires than any other European country. On the surface, they are part of a little-known secret society. They often resist being photographed, avoiding the spotlight at every turn. DW documentary series attempts to lift the veil on top of the world: the low-key lives of the super rich. The film seeks to identify the wealthiest people who remain on the fringes of the public eye, examine their lifestyles and speak out on issues such as income inequality.
“They prefer to keep a low profile to avoid jealousy,” notes a reporter at the beginning of the film. Others attribute their self-imposed isolation to shyness or paranoia. Some heirs may have feared that their assets would be publicly tarnished by their links to the Third Reich.
Dirk Rossmann is a subject who never tires of revealing. As founder and CEO of the Rossmann pharmacy chain, he’s not shy about making his wildly successful company known to the public. He openly admitted that the ad also gave his ego a lewd trick.
Rothman is a bit of an anomaly among billionaires. Unlike other countries such as the United States, European perceptions of wealth are not necessarily highly regarded. This is not a status to flaunt, it should be veiled. The common denominator is the income inequality that plagues these countries. The working class continues to suffer while the wealth of the elite continues to accumulate.
What do the rich know about the plight of those living below the poverty line? What do you think about the idea of wealth distribution? Are they in any way responsible for the huge economic divide?
The filmmakers follow self-made billionaires and those who inherit their fortunes for generations. We profile entrepreneurs investing in innovative new companies that they hope will one day become global success stories. Meanwhile, the story revolves around a special ranking of America’s wealthiest citizens published by Manager magazine.
On Top of the World: The Low-Key Lives of the Ultra-Rich offers insightful insights into various public perceptions and private realities.
Directed by: Florian Opitz
