Films

2025, 30 min
by Nana Xu

The “Fruit Farm” is the home of Nana Xu, who is studying in Hamburg - a place that initially only had a number, not a name. It lies behind high mountains in southwest China and in her memory is characterized by dry air, burial mounds, ghost stories, policemen and prisoners. The historical contours of the place are outlined by sound recording, Nana Xu returns to the real place by bus and finds people of advanced age who, perhaps for the first time in their lives, reflect on this very place for someone from the outside. Guochang is the oral history of a non-place: the “fruit farm” was set up as a labor camp during the Cultural Revolution - built by prisoners, including the director's father. Later, all traces were erased. First the place was a mixture of village and prison, then a drug treatment center. A temporary solution as a permanent state for many. For Nana: family history, ghost story, nightmare, dream. Little by little, this courageous film against forgetting and concealment also reveals the ghostly history of violence in the People's Republic of China. An open journey home. Conversations with the last witnesses in their homeland, which is marked by a repressed past.

Germany 2024, 94 min
by Iris Pakulla

Ainur, a young Mongolian woman and erotic dancer in Ulaanbaatar, feels haunted by dark forces. On the advice of shamans, she returns to the Gobi Desert, the land of her ancestors, to make contact with nature spirits. During her journey through Mongolia, she is confronted with the destruction of the breathtaking landscape. Is this the chaos that is stirring the spirits?Anthropologist Iris Pakulla has lived and researched in Mongolia for many years. In her hybrid documentary film, she weaves together scenes of Ainur’s everyday life with staged dream sequences. The result is a cinematic artwork that reflects not only Ainur’s search for healing but also the fragile balance between humans and nature.

Germany 2024, 85 min
by Natalia Vitovtov, Michael Stock

The filmmakers follow two women for years, each grappling with the topic of dying for different reasons. In doing so, she confronts her own grief. The relative certainty of imminent death and the hope for self-determination, as well as the emotional ambivalence of those affected and those who will be left behind, are the central themes of this film. [58 Hof IFF]

2024, 103 min
by Carmen Kirchweger

Six young women defy gravity and open up new climbing routes on the steep inclines of Greenland’s mountains. They prepare fervently for their expedition and test their limits. 'Somewhere in the middle of nowhere' takes on a different meaning when life hangs in the balance hundreds of metres above the ground – dependent on ropes, physical strength and decision-making skills. A film about strength and confronting danger. [39. DOK.fest München, Morgane Remter]

Germany 2024, 103 min
by Lea Hartlaub

sr draws a panorama of human activity in which the giraffe emerges as a recurring motif. 91 narrative tableaus lead to 30 sites such as an island in the Western Pacific, a reading room in New York, a runway in central Niger. In 16 fragmentary episodes sr reports of political and societal conditions, of theoretical discourses, human creations and realities of everyday life. Traces of exoticism, colonial relics, relations of power, cultural artifacts and the relativity of knowledge appear. sr is an invitation to contemplate on what the film depicts.

Italy, Germany 2024, 73 min
by Caroline von der Tann

Ciretta, a streetwise kid from Naples, organizes a celebration for the Madonna while facing eviction from his temporary home in a theater space – earmarked for conversion to a B&B.In the palimpsest of a city like Naples, which holds countless stories in its heart, we stumble upon that of Ciretta, the 27-year-old son of a prostitute and an unknown father, who occasionally sells his body too, but also worships the Madonna and has an almost heavenly voice. The outcast child of a society that often has no room for those who do not fit into molds, Ciretta will find refuge and companionship among the people who gather around an old theater in Naples, now closed due to the pandemic. There he will dream of the possibility of a better life, until the theater is sold to become a hotel. Ciretta will be forced to find a new haven for both himself and his beloved statue of the Madonna, in this tender, melancholy tale of battered people who seem born to be movie heroes, and a city that changes almost before your eyes. [26 TiDF Thessaloniki]

Switzerland, Germany 2024, 89 min
by Heidi Specogna

Claudia Andujar escaped the Holocaust as a child and became a multiple award-winning photographer. She travelled the Amazon since the 1960s, and developed a profound relationship with the Yanomami people. From Claudia, they learned to fight against the exploitation of the rainforest and their extermination. Former victims are now activists.

Germany 2024, 90 min
by Angela Bedekovic, Matthias Grunsky

The documentary follows the path of tourists to cities, vacation resorts, and events in Europe. The filmmakers observe from a certain distance with a deliberate abstinence of words or comment, reflecting on personal longings and the touristic machinery.

2023, 60 min
by Ben Blaskovic

A young sailing crew sets out to find the enigmatic personality of Karl-Heinz Beständig, an experienced sailor known for his famous harbor and bay guide in Croatia. A young crew led by actor and sailor Ben Blaskovic sets out through the harsh autumn weather on the waters of the Adriatic to meet Karl-Heinz in a remote bay in the middle of the Adriatic. With the weather not cooperating and the possibility of a chance encounter uncertain, their journey becomes an exciting exploration of the Croatian coast and the mysterious person behind the popular guide.

Germany 2023, 225 min
by Sibylle Smolka, Detlev Konnerth, Katja Runge

Breathtaking canyons, lakes and rivers: from the Tatra Mountains via the Dordogne to the Danube Delta, this series explores extraordinary, still unspoilt corners of Europe where water plays a central role.Where the elements of water and earth meet, the forces of nature are unleashed in a dramatic way. Spectacular landscapes and extraordinary habitats are created for plants and wildlife. And the energies they release have a magnetic effect on man. Often, though, it’s a case of love at second sight. As travel destinations, inland bodies of water have always been overshadowed by coastal shores. But this appears to be changing. The environmentally conscious and especially younger people are becoming increasingly interested in these intact landscapes in the heart of Europe. Once they have discovered the magic of these unspoilt regions, they soon want more. This series takes us to little-known areas of untouched natural beauty where water plays a central role: breathtaking canyons, lakes, rivers and landforms whose rich fauna and flora leave a lasting impression on us. Because of the biodiversity of these exceptional regions, some are already protected as national parks, UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites or biosphere reserves. The series introduces us to five especially stunning landscapes in Europe. Far from the usual tourist trails, we explore unique spots in Poland, Slovakia, Romania, France, Montenegro and Germany.

Germany 2023, 20 min
by Sophia Schachtner

The motorway roars in the background, darkness lies over the service area. One truck driver smokes; another turns on the light in his sleeper cab. A summer Sunday is dawning, everything is standing still. Precisely designed detail shots induce in us a state of waiting. This is what life on the road can also look like. Cooking, dozing, staring into space. Hair is shorn short, words are exchanged. Polish pop songs resound from one of the cabs.Life seems to have been tuned out. And yet it is happening. One of the men roams the forest, calls home. Suddenly a family is present in the images: The man remembers a swimming trip when the children were small. A strangely beautiful sight. He holds his mobile up in the air so the person on the other end of the line can hear the woodpecker. [66 DOK Leipzig, Anke Leweke]

2023, 24 min
by Felix Bartke

Hercules travels by bike from Krefeld in the Lower Rhine region to Mount Olympus, the throne of ancient deities. In the process, the legend of Hercules, as a primal myth of masculine power, is interrogated by means of biographical reflections and stagings of mythological echoes. The dramatic structure of this hero's journey breaks up, in multi-material perspective, into issues of male identity, ideals and remorse.

2023, 70 min
by Kilian Armando Friedrich

In France, thousands of people work for subcontractors in the nuclear industry. Many of them travel from nuclear power plant to nuclear power plant to carry out renovation work wherever it is needed. To do this, they live in caravans, scattered around the power plants. Always ready to move on. The pay is good and attracts many young people. They want to earn a lot of money in as few years as possible. Marie-Lou, Florian, Jérôme and Vincent also try to do this. At different parking lots in front of nuclear power plants, they share the same lonely and harsh reality of life to which this job inevitably leads them. And dream of life afterwards. Of their own property. Of the future of their own children. To achieve this, they save every penny and drive on and on. From nuclear power plant to nuclear power plant. From premium wage to premium wage. From millisievert to millisievert.

Germany 2023, 180 min
by Dmitri Vologdin, Frank Müller

Even in Soviet times, Crimea, with its pleasant climate and luxurious sanatoriums, was a place of longing for many Russians. The six-part documentary series accompanies the entertainer Spartak and the staff of his 'International Striptease Show' from the pre-war year 2021 to the war year 2023 in the holiday hotspots in Crimea. How does Russia's war of aggression change the people there?

Germany 2023, 92 min
by Grit Lemke

What makes us who we are? In search of her own roots, the director explores an indigenous people in Germany: the Sorbs, the smallest Slavic people. Their language and culture are severely threatened by centuries of oppression. But a new generation no longer wants to accept this: They are committed to self-determination, come to terms with the trauma of losing their villages because of lignite mining or redefine being Sorbian as alternative, anti-fascist and feminist. And the German Anna becomes a Sorbian Hanka. Metaphorical images of nature, poetic reflections of a first-person narrator and archaic but experimental Sorbian music in the first ever film about Sorbs.

Germany 2022, 80 min
by Afraa Batous

To cope with the daily trauma of a lost home, Syrian filmmaker Afraa Batous is filming her friends as they plan to embark on their first road trip ever. Rahaf, Sara, Rawa and Afraa know the feeling of losing ground underneath one's feet well. It's been eight years since their homes in Syria have been blown into pieces. To fight back against how life has unfolded for them, filmmaker Afraa decides to shoot a film, one about her friends being happy, their dreams and fears. She invites them to join her for a trip through Europe, determined to document their experiences.

2022, 98 min
by Nama Filmcollective

An Indian filmmaker returns to his homeland during the national elections. With voting spread over a period of six long weeks, he starts travelling the country, turning the camera towards his family. Their privileged life contrasts starkly with the lives of the ordinary Indian citizens working for them. With a dry sense of humour and eye for the absurd, the director tries to comprehend the India of today, connecting collective and family history, and confronting the recent rise of right-wing populism. A bittersweet and often hilarious tale about the biggest and most chaotic democracy in the world.

Germany 2022, 105 min
by Markus Weinberg, Steffi Rostoski

The multiple world record holder and extreme athlete Jonas Deichmann plunges into his next adventure – the most spectacular and longest triathlon ever attempted, from Munich to Munich around the world. The journey – a 120 times Ironman distance – will take him to his physical and mental limits. 460km swimming, 21.000km on bike, 5.000KM running. Jonas begins his journey in the midst of the pandemic: travel routes are closed overnight; border crossings become a feat of strength, presenting him with unforeseen challenges. On top of that, he grapples with the impact of humanity's ecological footprint in nature and the way climate change affects our planet earth. [35 IDFA Docs for Sale]

Germany 2022, 108 min
by Michael Scheyer

German mountaineer Thomas Lämmle climbed Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. After a serious accident with his paraglider, however, he ended up in a wheelchair - with the suspicion that he would never be able to walk again. But he could not resign himself to that. He started training hard and set himself a goal: to climb his belovedKilimanjaro once again. "And if that's only possible with crutches, then so be it."

2022, 93 min
by Anna Baranowski, Michael Moritzen

Germany 2022, 24 min
by Bernadette Hauke

Who doesn’t dream of being able to touch the clouds one day? Nele wants to go up in the skies in a hot air balloon and to take her walking-impaired mother with her. The 10-year-old has a lot to achieve – and always finds a solution. [38 DOK.fest München, Maya Reichert]On the balcony Nele is really close to the clouds, though it would be much nicer to take a balloon ride and be even closer. The plan isn’t easy to realise, as Nele’s mother has mobility problems. They need help with every activity and their daily life is co-organised by many other people. They are doing fine together, but a trip in a hot air balloon would be something else … [66 DOK Leipzig, Lina Dinkla]

Germany 2022, 52 min
by Joachim Haupt

The Bavarian Alpenland: with its mountains and lakes, it is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Germany. Nature here has been shaped by people for centuries. Cultural landscapes were created that shape the image of the Alpine country to this day. Modern management has pushed back flora and fauna in many places. Species disappear and habitats are lost. But individual initiatives and projects are making a mark. New approaches are being sought.

2022, 52 min
by Andreas Orth

Cruise trips are as popular now as they were pre-pandemic. But there is a dark side to the industry with its glossy brochures and dream destinations. Environmental impacts and lesser-known safety risks can become a serious threat.Cruises are enjoying huge popularity again. More ocean-liners are docked in European ports today than before the pandemic. But there are dark sides to the cruise industry – environmental impacts, health issues caused by exhaust gases, and lesser-known safety risks sometimes make cruise travel a hazard. The bigger the ships become, the greater the number of people who cannot be rescued in an emergency. International regulations were changed after the Costa Concordia capsized in 2012, but it wasn’t long before the next marine disaster showed just how difficult a rescue operation can be. In 2019, the cruise ship Viking Sky ran into trouble with over 1300 passengers on board. Rough seas meant it was unsafe to use lifeboats. But even when everything goes to plan, the cruise industry faces major challenges, such as those caused by toxic exhaust gases. Shipping companies claim they are reducing their carbon footprint by using exhaust gas filters and "green" propulsion systems powered by electricity or liquid natural gas. But even insiders see some of these activities as PR campaigns and greenwashing strategies. Lots of people dream of cruise holidays, but neither the environment nor human health should suffer as a result. It’s time the industry took action.

2021, 600 min
by Ina Dr.Knobloch

Doc-series with 10 episodes á 60 minutes, about curing Covid-19 with early treatments in different countries around the world. The main plot follows the pilgrim of the film-director to St.Corona and the controversal story of Chinin/HCQ as a Corona-Cure, meeting experts alongside the way for investigative research, visiting labarotories and medical plantations. Beside, each episode leads to traditional and modern treatments in different countries around the world, with virtuell meetings and expeditions. Thermal springs on the way to St.Corona cover another cure-aspect. A case-study in different countries, but also an expedition to the secret life of plants with there sophisticated defending system, which helps curing people, since the beginning of mankind. Some plants are specialist in killing viruses, like Artemisia, Colchicum, Glycyrrhiza, Silvestrol/Aglaia, Cinchona, Cannabis (CBD), Oleander, Olives, Incense, teatree, Salvia, Camilla, Nigella and many more plants. Beside the main plot, each episode focuses on one country with one healing story, one of these medical plants and regional thermal springs, covering the micronutrients which help to fight deseases as well. A year after the pandemic startet to conquer the world like a bushfire and weeks after the worldwide vaccination-programm began, it is pretty clear, that vaccines aren’t a miroucle wonder drug, but only one part oft he puzzle in the fight against Covid-19 and other upcoming infectious deseases. The series is helping to find the other parts oft he puzzle in a thrilling and entertaining way, without spreading fear and looking for a green climate-shift in the future.