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Two funnymen find themselves confronting tragedy just as they're poised to enjoy a career triumph in this comedy-drama. Paul (Steffan Wink) and Alex (Frank Giering) are two friends who are struggling stand-up comics; Paul was born with a surplus of confidence and a deficiency in self-control (especially when it comes to women), while Alex is the archetypal nice guy who finishes last. A nationwide competition for young comics is announced, and both Paul and Alex make it into the finals; one of Paul's greatest dreams is to work with comedy legend Rob Patterson (Simon Prescott), and winning would make it a reality. When Alex discovers he's contracted cancer and has only a short time to live, he puts his own ambitions on hold to help Paul win, but it takes Paul a while to realize just what Alex's sacrifice truly means. Der Himmel Kann Warten received its American premiere at the 2001 Cinequest San Jose Film Festival.