Atempause

The story of Esther (40) and her ex-husband Frank (42). Their nine-year-old son Hannes is declared brain dead after a soccer accident. From one second to the next, the parents lose their child. Nothing could have prepared them for this moment. They now have to watch helplessly and face fate. At the clinic, they meet a Turkish family in the same situation. Together, the separated couple face the most difficult decision of their lives. When will we finally switch off the devices? Will we release the organs for donation?

Directed by Aelrun Goette, Atempause leans on a strong ensemble — Katharina M. Schubert, Carlo Ljubek, Luise Heyer — 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 tv movie titles of 2017.