Schrëtt fir Schrëtt, or Step by Step in English, is a documentary series airing on RTL television every Thursday from 24 September and available on RTL Play. The series also has English subtitles, which can be selected at the bottom right of the video player.
The documentary follows seven protagonists with very different backgrounds and walks of life. Each has their own story.
The series accompanies them through a period of change, whether they are coping with a devastating setback, seeking a second chance in life, or daring to make a fresh start.
After years of drug addiction and homelessness, José leaves prison and starts again from scratch at the age of 50.
Anna and Marc unexpectedly lost their son in 2024 and are searching for a way to carry on living with their grief.
After losing his leg in an accident, Pit is learning to walk again.
Sekou fled to Luxembourg and is seriously ill – he needs a kidney transplant and without residency papers, he has no choice but to wait.
Constantin had a difficult time at school – now, at 18, he is becoming his own boss and opening a café in Luxembourg City.
After experiencing domestic violence and drug addiction, Cláudia is now fighting to give her two daughters a better future.
Sandra wants to work in the social sector but has only completed pre-vocational education. A mother of four, she is now returning to school.
"There were so many moments that moved me deeply", says Julie Thilges, one of the journalists behind the documentary. "I was also touched by the trust the participants placed in us and their willingness to share their stories. That alone takes courage."
The project first got under way almost a year ago. Over six months, an RTL team followed the participants through the various milestones and challenges in their lives.
"The project was incredibly intense", Thilges further recalls. "Following people over such a long period and capturing the right moments was a challenge."
The episodes build on one another, with several protagonists appearing in each instalment. Their stories unfold gradually – step by step.
"We wanted to be close to people and capture the small emotions and moments too", explains Loïck Boulet, who was responsible for the visual concept. "Sometimes that meant simply leaving the camera running for another five minutes. Often, those were precisely the moments when people gradually forgot about the camera, felt able to open up a little more, and very honest situations emerged."
He went on to say:
My greatest wish is that this series can help these seven people, in some small way, to be seen and heard. And, of course, I also hope it reaches people who are going through a difficult time themselves or have experienced something similar. If they recognise themselves in certain moments, and the series gives them a little courage or helps them feel less alone in what they are going through, that would mean a great deal to me.
"Everyone carries their own burdens, even when they are not visible from the outside. It is a valuable reminder to treat people with greater empathy", Thilges concluded.
