1. Vision & Relevance

Breast cancer is not an isolated diagnosis—it is a seismic shift that affects an person's entire social circle. While medicine heals the body, the soul is often left grappling with questions of identity, fear, and reorientation.

With the documentary “Under Her Wings,” I am creating a work that moves beyond medical statistics to place human resilience at the center. Through eleven in-depth portraits of affected women, I tell a story of courage, solidarity, and life after the initial shock. The film is intended to serve as a bridge between survivors, their loved ones, and the professional community.

Under Her Wings | Documentary Film

A cinematic portrait of resilience, family cohesion, and the journey back to life after a breast cancer diagnosis.

2. The Protagonists: A Spectrum of Healing

This project is characterized by a high degree of authenticity. The eleven women I am following are at different stages of their journey:

  • In Treatment & Recovery: Women who are currently navigating the challenges of therapy and sharing the immediacy of their diagnosis.

  • Experience & Reflection: Women who have moved past the acute phase and look back on their path toward returning to daily life.

3. Personal Background: The Symbolism of Eleven

My own history stands behind this project: I was eleven years old when my mother passed away from the effects of cancer. The decision to conduct exactly eleven interviews is a conscious tribute to that time and, for me, closes a circle in my life story.

“Under Her Wings” is an expression of my own experience: despite her early passing, I have always felt protected by my mother. With this film, I am transforming the pain of the past into a creative force to give today’s families the voices and the support that I lacked as a child.

4. The Focus: Psychosocial Health & Resilience

I am placing the personal perspective of those affected radically at the center, making the invisible visible: the fears, the immense efforts, and the internal transformation. “Under Her Wings” is a document of self-empowerment. I illustrate how these women maintain their integrity despite massive upheaval and define their own path through the crisis.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Project Lead / Director: Karsten Staiger

Email: karsten@karstenstaiger.com

WhatsApp (US): +1 646 353 6855

Germany: +49 170 8250648

Website: www.karstenstaiger.com

5. Quality & Aesthetics

To give emotional moments the space they require, I am utilizing the highest production standards:

  • Style: A purist “sit-down” interview style chosen specifically for this project.

  • Technology: Filmed in 4K Cinema quality for a timeless, high-end aesthetic.

  • Sound: A soundtrack composed specifically for this film and professional English subtitling for international distribution.

6. Timeline & Goals

  • Premiere: Planned for October 2026 (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) in Pforzheim.

  • Distribution: I am planning screenings in clinics and at professional conferences, as well as submissions to international film festivals.

Why Your Support Matters In order to realize this passion project at the planned level of quality, I am seeking partners who value psychosocial health as much as I do. Your support helps make this important topic visible and provides hope to affected women and their families.