Terminally ill patients spend the final stage of their lives in the palliative care unit at Vienna General Hospital, but this is not the end of the line. It is here that patients say goodbye to their loved ones and to life. Many experience a rollercoaster of emotions, including anger, distress, acceptance and gratitude. They may or may not be able to tie up loose ends and clarify things. Death is ever-present here, but it is experienced intensely: people set themselves final goals, reflect on their lives – and sometimes even enjoy life. Only around half of the patients die in the ward at the AKH; the rest are discharged to hospices, nursing homes, or their own homes.

Filmmaker Stefan Ludwig documents intense encounters with people who are aware of their mortality yet still want to live a little longer. He also observes the work of the multidisciplinary team led by senior physician Eva Masel, whose mission is to ensure patients have a positive experience.

Director & Script
Stefan Ludwig

Cinematography
Klemens Koscher

Editor
Monica Parii

Sound & Sound Mix
Emanoel Bruckmüller

Postproduction & Mastering
Nicola Stampfer

Production Manager
Eva Hödlmoser

Producer
Michael Cencig

Production ORF
Gabriele Wistawel
Carmen Carl

Editorial Team ORF
Helmut Tatzreiter

Head ORF
Barbara Krenn

© ORF/Metafilm 2025