Bauernopfer

For organic farmer Andi Gruber, the single father of his eleven-year-old daughter Lena, his world suddenly collapses when it turns out that his cattle are contaminated with harmful substances and have to be slaughtered by the authorities. His livelihood is threatened. He desperately tries to find out what the pollutants are and how his cattle could have been contaminated. He goes to biochemist Dr. Kroetz and finds him dying, fatally wounded by a bolt gun. As Andi was seen at the scene of the crime, he is suspected of murder and is wanted. After he knows his daughter Lena is safe with his sister on the neighboring farm, Andi takes up the fight. With the help of young scientist Silvie Kraus, he discovers that an entire cartel of abattoir operators, chemical companies, vets and politicians are apparently testing new vaccines on the farmers' livestock without their knowledge and are not even afraid of murder.

Directed by Wolfgang Murnberger, Bauernopfer leans on a strong ensemble — Tobias Moretti, Bernadette Heerwagen, Tilo Prückner — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2011.