The filmmaker from Homburg died in a traffic accident near Cologne.
On August 31, 2025, the Homburg director Tarek Ehlail died in a traffic accident on the A1 near Cologne at the age of 43.
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According to “Saarländer Rundfunk”, Tarek Ehlail was on his way to his family when he opened Cologne-Nord on the end of a traffic jam. His car was caught under the rear of a truck. He still succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident.
Family and friends mourn the public
The family confirmed Tarek Ehlail’s death on the official Facebook page. There you can read: “We are stunned and empty. His death tears the deepest hole in our hearts that you can imagine at all. Nothing can fill this hole, never. We will love you forever, tarry!”
In addition, the Saarland State Media Institute also praised him as a visionary filmmaker who shaped the regional film scene.
Ehlail shaped the independent cinema
Tarek Ehlail was born in Homburg and most recently lived in Hamburg. He became known for his film “Mountains – nobody wins at the Millerntor” (2011), in which he stood in front of the camera, among others, Mario Adorf, Moritz Bleibtreu and Wotan Wilke Möhring. Already in 2008 he celebrated his directorial debut with “Chaostage – We Are Punks!”
Other projects, such as the documentary “Faith Warer”, showed its versatility and interest in social issues. In addition to his film career, Ehlail was also active as a screenwriter, producer of music videos, piercer, tattoo artists and professional boxers.
Media and companions appreciate his work
The Wahl-Hamburgers are mourned on social media. The “Saarland Radio” describes Ehlail as “a uncompromising voice of the German independent cinema, known for courageous films about subcultures, outsiders and radical social designs”. In addition, friend recognized his commitment and personality according to “Homburg1”.
Tarek Ehlail’s last Facebook post only appeared a few hours before his death. In it he congratulated his sister: “Life is good. Make it count.”