The Inner Demons of a Mother - New Drama Vena Explores a Mother's Fight Against Addiction and the System
A gripping new drama, Vena, will premiere on free-to-air television this weekend. The film, directed by Chiara Fleischhacker, follows a pregnant woman, Jennie Kim, battling addiction and the child protection system. Viewers can catch it on ARD at 11:35 PM on Sunday, March 1, or stream it on the ARD Mediathek.
Vena marks the directorial debut of writer Chiara Fleischhacker. The story centres on Jennie Kim, a pregnant woman struggling with crystal meth addiction. Her past includes drug abuse and the loss of custody for an earlier child.
As her pregnancy progresses, child protective services intervene. They assign Marla, a family midwife, to monitor Jennie Kim's situation. Marla's first meeting with Jennie Kim is tense, shaped by the young mother's troubled history.
The film premiered at the Hamburg Film Festival on October 1, 2024. It examines the harsh consequences of addiction—not just for Jennie Kim, but for her unborn child. Her boyfriend, Bolle, is the father, though his role in the crisis remains unclear.
The broadcast on ARD offers a chance for wider audiences to see Vena's raw portrayal of addiction and motherhood. With its debut director at the helm, the film brings a fresh perspective to social issues. Streaming remains available on the ARD Mediathek for those who miss the late-night airing.
