Johannes Hogebrink is an artist with a dream: inspired by Laika and Otto Lilienthal, he wants to teach his dog how to fly. Making a movie about it should provide for his daughter and his Russian girlfriend. But his dog Chayka is afraid of heights. Chayka tells his own story of survival on the streets of Bosnia. Hoping Chayka can become the dog that can make his dream come true, Johannes decides the best way to help him overcome his trauma, is to go flying.

Johannes designs and builds a hang-glider for Chayka. As the training progresses they move to the mountains of Austria. Between the Alps Johannes's obsession intensifies. Repeated crashes are raising doubts. A paranormal dog whisperer tells Johannes about Chayka's fears. But Johannes can't give up on his dream. His love life depends on it. When a journalist comes to film Chayka's first flight, they have to hurry. But Chayka has had enough and takes off.

A feverish search for Chayka follows. Johannes finds him tired and alone, but he doesn't hesitate to strap him into his wing. A gentle push is all it takes to make his dream succeed. But in front of the rolling cameras, Chayka makes a terrible crash...

"Cut!" That should be done again. The film crew repeats the crash, with Chayka watching from a safe distance. "I thought you were making a documentary?" the movie producer asks. Johannes has some explaining to do. While Chayka's flight training continues, Johannes's dream project is raising more doubts. When finally even the producers forbid Johannes to continue, he has only one option left.