Films by Alexandra Sailer

Germany 2020, 104 min
by Alexandra Sailer, Steffen Sailer

In Europe, there is no other place where contrasts and contradictions lie so close to one another as in the region north of the Polar Circle. Brilliant colours, abundant food and hectic activity in the animal world during the polar day form a stark contrast to the soft, muted colours, struggle for survival and icy cold of the polar night. A race against time begins, as the long hours of the bright polar day are as interminable as those of the dark polar night. Both extremes are immensely challenging for both flora and fauna in this landscape – but nature has an answer for everything.

Germany 2020, 52 min
by Annette Scheurich, Alexandra Sailer, Steffen Sailer, Klaus Scheurich

Our seasons shape the cycle of life in dramatic ways. Spring, summer, autumn or winter – every season is unique, each presenting nature with new challenges. The constant change in living conditions demands extraordinary feats from animals and plants throughout the year. And the survival strategies of the squirrel, fox and many others could hardly be more fascinating.

2018, 52 min
by Annette Scheurich

Life and death, partings and new beginnings – hardly any other season finds these extremes as close together as they are in autumn. Fallen leaves strew vibrant colour on the ground and there is abundant food available for the animals. But winter, with all its hardships, lurks around the corner, and a race against time begins. The film depicts the tension of this period that can rarely be so clearly observed in other seasons. From forests, meadows and fields to gardens and parks – it’s a time of dramatic challenges, changes and dangers.

2018, 104 min
by Herbert Ostwald, Steffen Sailer

Most people think they know everything about cows: They stand around in fields. They eat grass, moo every now and then and of course they give milk. They are the archetypal symbols of a rural scene, of everlasting tranquility. But cows are much more than that. Cows are generally held to be peaceful and a bit stupid. However, that's actually a big misunderstanding. Because cows have personalities, they are sensitive, able to learn and socially oriented, but also quite able to defend themselves. In two parts, with spellbinding images, employing new camera angles in an entertaining, unusual and exciting way, this film tells the story of some quite surprising aspects of a cow's life.• The Secret Life of Cows – Wild at HeartThis is not the prairie – it‘s a pasture in Southern Germany. Almost 300 cattle live here, outdoors year-round, because the farmer just wants the best for all of his cows.  Thirty-five years ago, the forebears of these cattle were permitted to leave their stalls and take over the meadows again.  How much ‘nature’ still lurks inside this livestock? And can ‘wild’ cattle really conquer the challenges of their environment? This is a story about a unique experiment• The Secret Life of Cows – Samura's WorldCows are generally held to be pleasant and likeable. At first glance, their lives seem familiar. But – there’s so much more to cows! These cows are unlike any others. And the story of Samura and her unusual herd reveals why. Far from big-city bustle, tucked away in a southwestern corner of Germany, lies a special farmstead. Home to the bovine community of Samura the cow.

Germany 2017, 51 min
by Ulf Marquardt, Mi-Yong Brehm

In the heart of Europe lies Switzerland. In its midst yet apart from it, like an island. The Swiss Confederation holds a special position not only politically and historically – in particular, its scenic diversity is something really special: majestic mountains, lush green valleys, craggy rock landscapes and Mediterranean lakes all close together in one small geographical location. Switzerland is proud of its distinction and autonomy, reflected amongst other things in its different cantons and linguistic regions. Each episode in our series "Wild Faces of Switzerland" seeks to do justice to this diversity.

Germany 2015, 52 min
by Herbert Ostwald

Widely known as heralds of good luck and happiness, storks are very popular animals. This is especially true for Ruehstaedt, a tiny picturesque village in Germany. Every year the rooftops here are home for up to 40 pairs of White Stork, which in turn attract about 30.000 visitors per year to the remote village.For one breeding season the film portrays the fascinating coexistence of man and storks in Ruehstaedt.

Germany 2015, 52 min
by Klaus Scheurich

What do polar bears do during the summer? Where do they live when there is no ice? What do they eat when they cannot hunt seals? Do they suffer or do they thrive? This film follows the polar bears of Hudson Bay throughout the summer and portrays their trials of life and their fight for survival at a time when other denizens of the Arctic enjoy a season of overabundance.

Germany 2011
by Steffen Sailer, Annette Scheurich

Spanning more than 7500 kilometres north to south, the Andes is the longest mountain range in the world. Peaks thrusting up to 7 000 metres are more than just an imposing sight, they also have a tremendous impact on the South American climate.   The land in the shadow of the Andes is a study in contrasts – a land of fire and ice, cold and heat. In the stormy wastes of Patagonia to the south, craggy mountain ranges and glaciers are the landscape’s main features, while further north in the high Andes, volcanoes, geysers and soda lakes predominate. The Atacama – the driest desert in the world – lies to the west of the Andes, and the Pantanal – the world’s largest wetlands – stretches to the east: further examples of the extremes engendered by the Andes range.   The country’s fauna is as varied as its landscape. Guanakos, flamingos, giant otters, penguins, caimans and Patagonian foxes are just some of the feathered or four-legged stars of the film.   Majestic landscapes and unusual animal stories – grandiose and fascinating, amusing or exciting – illustrate with breathtaking images the diversity of life in the shadow of this mighty mountain range.