Heldin

In the organizer's words:

Nurse Floria works with great passion and professionalism in the surgical department of a Swiss hospital. Her every move is perfect, she always has an open ear for her patients even in stressful situations and is immediately on hand in an emergency - ideally. But in the harsh reality of her often unpredictable everyday life, things usually look different. When Floria starts her late shift that day, a colleague is absent from the fully occupied, understaffed ward. Despite all the hustle and bustle, Floria looks after a seriously ill mother and an old man who is urgently waiting for his diagnosis with the same care and routine as the private patient with all his extra requests. But then she makes a fatal mistake and the shift threatens to get completely out of hand. A nerve-wracking race against time begins ...

Director Petra Volpe tackles a highly topical subject with HELDIN. According to the WHO, the worldwide shortage of nursing staff is a global health risk. According to the Federal Statistical Office, there could be a shortage of around 260,000 nurses in Germany by 2029. The film is both a respectful tribute to all care workers and a gripping plea for more humanity and social commitment. Last but not least, it shows how essential good care in the event of illness is for us all.
The world premiere of HELDIN will take place on February 17 as a Berlinale Special Gala as part of the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.