On September 17, 2026, AmerikaHaus NRW presented the German premiere of Union County (2026) at Filmpalette in Cologne. The screening was followed by a discussion with Dr. Katharina Fackler, Assistant Professor in the North American Studies Program at the University of Bonn. Dr. Fackler’s research encompasses visual culture and literary studies, with particular attention to poverty and social justice. The discussion was moderated by Monique Mauel, Program Manager at AmerikaHaus NRW.

Writer-director Adam Meeks’ Union County takes its audience to rural Ohio, where the consequences of the opioid epidemic extend far beyond individual experiences of addiction. At the center of the film is Cody Parsons (Will Poulter), who enters a county-mandated drug court program following his release from prison and attempts to build a life in recovery. Through his and his foster brothers’ experiences and those of the people around them, Union County explores what recovery can mean within families and communities that have been profoundly shaped by the opioid crisis. Rather than offering straightforward answers, the film allows these issues and the people affected by them to remain complex. Its deliberate pace creates space for reflection instead of judgement. The film also largely features non-actors, such as real program participants, judges, and social workers.

The discussion held after the screening highlighted the film’s close connection between fiction and lived experience, with several roles played by people who have encountered addiction and recovery firsthand. This approach gives Union County a particular sense of authenticity, while also raising questions about representation and the responsibilities involved in portraying vulnerable communities. The conversation further explored the broader conditions surrounding addiction and recovery, including the influence of economics and politics. An extensive Q&A with the audience provided further opportunity to reflect on the film’s themes and the experiences it portrays.

We cordially thank Dr. Katharina Fackler for sharing her expertise and everyone who joined us for the screening and the discussion.

This event was kindly supported by the Federal Foreign Office.