Kein halbes Leben

In the presence of Sybille Bauer-Zierfuß

‘A dog makes life whole,’ is how the filmmaker's mother sums up her intimate relationship with her four-legged friends. In addition to Renate's everyday (dog) life, the camera also follows Kerstin and Florian, whose joy is also revitalised by their animal companions. In times of loss, grief and loneliness, it even becomes vital, as is made clear not only by the conversations Bauer-Zierfuß has with her protagonists, but also by the scenes that demonstrate the bond between humans and animals: Cuddling on the sofa, the joy of seeing each other again, giving each other attention. In short: loving relationship work that ultimately revitalises human relationships - on walks, at the animal shelter or simply at home around the dining table. (Bianca Jasmina Rauch)