Jump directly to the page contents
Film still from PALLIATIVSTATION (Palliative Care Unit) by Philipp Döring. The image shows a woman leaning against the wall in a hospital room.
Still from PALLIATIVSTATION (Palliative Care Unit) by Philipp Döring © Philipp Döring

Advance notice: Palliative Care Unit (D 2025)

How do fatally ill patients face death? And how can you help them fill their remaining time with as much quality of life as possible? In his feature film debut, Philipp Döring explores these questions by following everyday routines at the palliative care unit at the Franziskus Hospital in Berlin. The film will be available for rental starting November 17, before which it is reserved for festival screening.

One core goal of palliative care is not to make life last longer at any price, but to fill thetime that remains with more life. Symptom control and the treatment of psychological,social and spiritual problems take the place of curative therapy. The film follows the conversations and meetings between doctors, nurses and therapistswith patients and their relatives. The staff is confronted with complex medical, ethical,psychological, and legal issues that can only be answered individually – every humanwill have to find his or her own way to deal with dying.

"Döring gets very close to death, but with it also to life. His film is weighty, impressive and yet never becomes crushing under the burden of fate. One thing quickly becomes clear: life only ends with the final heartbeat." (Berlinale Forum, Carolin Weidner)

Awards
Berlinale Forum: Heiner-Carow-Award
dokKa-Festival: dokKa-Förderpreis

Watch the Trailer

PALLIATIVSTATION
Germany 2025. Length: 245 Min. Language: deutsch. Language versions: OF, OmeU

Overview

Funded by:

  • Logo Minister of State for Culture and the Media

Arsenal on Location is funded by the Capital Cultural Fund

The international programs of Arsenal on Location are a cooperation with the Goethe-Institut