This is the true story of a horrific disaster. It’s a story of loss and incredible suffering – but also of hope, love, friendship and the perseverance of the human spirit.
In 1963, the bursting of a gigantic water basin causes a cave-in in the mines outside of Lengede, Germany. Many of the miners are instantly killed. But more than 20 are trapped alive in a shaft 60 meters underground.

News of the event spread like wildfire across Germany and the rest of the world. It’s the first time that the international press covers such a disastrous incident live. Millions of viewers around the world become united in prayer. Experts from around Europe rush to Lengede to offer their help. Above and below ground, people go to – and beyond – their limits, and heroes are born.
Seconds tick away slowly for the trapped men in the abandoned shaft. Without food or medical attention for the seriously injured, chances for survival look grim. Alone in the dark they are running out of time and hope.
Their wives and families above can only wait – and pray. Will they ever see each other again? 14 endless days of uncertainity threaten to break even the strongest heart.

But courage is the only gift they have to offer their husbands, their brothers and their fathers.
After days without any success, the drilling stops. It seems futile: the rescue teams start packing it in. But a determined engineer refuses to believe that all is lost. While funeral service is being prepared for the “dead” miners, he convinces the authorities to give it one final shot….

A Light in Dark Places
Drama
Miniseries, 2 x 90’
Directed by Kaspar Heidelbach
Starring Heino Ferch, Heike Makatsch, Jan Josef Liefers, Klaus J. Behrendt, Jürgen Schornagel
Produced by Zeitsprung Film + TV Produktions GmbH in association with Sat.1 and GFP Medienfonds
All rights reserved © Zeitsprung Film + TV Produktions GmbH / GFP Medienfonds - Credits not contractual - Different territories