EIN RITT INS LEBEN

DOCUMENTARY / A 2008 / HD CAM / 25 & 45 MINUTES
A film by Waltraud Paschinger

SYNOPSIS

In August 2008, 6 former cancer patients of the paediatric haematological oncology of the LKH Graz (State hospital) ventured on a ride from Pölfing-Brunn, via the Remschnigg alpine pasture into Slovenia, back to Austria via the Radlpass into the Soboth. The objective of the undertaking was to prove to the children and their families, as well as the general public, that such performances are possible even after being exposed to illness and complicated treatment. The ride took place in the presence of Prof. Dr. Christian Urban, the director of the pediatric oncology, Mrs. Andrea Mohapp, MA, psychotherapist at the ward and Bruno Rothschädl, riding instructor and owner of horse ranch Jagamühle in Pölfing-Brunn.
In a nutshell, it involves the necessity of rehabilitating the young patients, to help them adjust to a “normal” life, and in particular to demonstrate the capabilities of the young patients. The necessity of suitable measures for rehabilitation, coping with the psychological strain produced by the illness and coming to terms with the social tensions created by the long stay in the hospital, all these are important topics dealt with in the cinematic processing of this project.
The transmission of a 25-minute version on ORF as an Austrian picture, as well as the transmission of a 45-minite version on 3sat, makes it possible not only for the general public, but in particular for the families of current and former cancer patients, to gain insight into the psychological and social problems associated with cancer. It is also vitally important that the general public becomes aware that this illness needs to be dealt with in a very specific way and requires preparation for entry into a new “old” way of life.

FILMSTILLS

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