Rabiye Kurnaz's son Murat is falsely accused of terrorism and, as one of the first, is sent to the American prison on Guantanamo shortly after the events of September 11, 2001. In an endeavour to secure his release, the Turkish-German mother of three begins a quixotic struggle against an opaque judicial system, bureaucracy, and international politics. She finds help from the attorney Bernhard Docke, who eventually becomes more than the determined Rabiye’s legal counsel; he becomes her close friend. Based on true events, this sensitive comedy about human indomitability, belief in justice, and undying hope won Berlin's Silver Bear for Best Screenplay and Best Leading Performance.