Amidst the loneliness of the Lower Havel Flatlands, one of Germany’s last bird resorts, 12-year-old Lea lives with her father Lutz, a passionate environmentalist. Lea’s mother left both of them without any explanation shortly after giving birth, a traumatic loss that still impacts the lives of both father and daughter. On one of their crane-watching excursions through the woods, they find a new born baby.

They save the child, and this experience deeply shakes their lives, especially when a frightened young woman – the child’s mother – shows up at their home. Seeking shelter, obviously troubled, and still guilty. While an investigation runs its course in the neighbouring villages, spreading unease among the villagers, the old wound in Lea’s life breaks open again, and she faces the question that has been bothering her ever since: why did my mother not want me?

Written by Silke Zertz Directed by Josh Broecker Director of photography Eckhard Jansen Sound Ed Cantu Make-up artist Susanne Bergner, Karin Harigae Costume design Helmut Ignaz Meyer Set design Erik Rüffler Casting Simone Bär Cast Bernhard Schir, Stella Kunkat, Floriane Daniel, Manfred Zapatka, Alice Dwyer, Wolfgang-Maria Bauer, Doris Schretzmayer u.a. Production manager Thomas Schwetje Management Moritz Hansen Producer Jakob Krebs Executive producer Dagmar Rosenbauer Editorial Manager Jana Brandt, MDR
Katharina Schenk, ORF Locations Havelberg and surroundings Shooting period 6. Oktober - 5. November 2009 » back