Thalheim himself did his civilian service (Zivildienst) at the International Youth Meeting Center in Oświęcim/Auschwitz in 1996–1997, and portions of the film were shot at the Center and in the nearby town of Oświęcim, Poland.
After his Abitur in 1976 (roughly equivalent to an associates degree) and completing his Zivildienst (alternative to required military service), Beck studied Islamic Studies, Ethnology, and Philosophy at the University of Heidelberg.