Films by Annette Scheurich

Germany 2023, 52 min
by Rosie Koch, Roland Gockel

Although garden dormice are at home in large parts of Europe, hardly anyone really knows these rodents with their Zorro mask and those beady eyes. Hence, only few people initially noticed when the animals began to suddenly and inexplicably disappear throughout the entire continent. But when even classic garden dormouse strongholds, like the Bavarian Fichtelgebirge, reported them missing, researchers and conservationists sounded the alarm. Hurriedly BUND Friends of the Earth, the Senckenberg Research Institute and the University of Giessen got together to form a task force of unprecedented size and scope. The Dormouse Detectives strive to find out how many, where and why the garden dormice are disappearing. In their effort to gather as many clues as possible, the investigators even enlist the help of the general population. While citizen scientists work with garden dormouse monitoring devices or report sightings, students equip garden dormouse undercover agents with transmitters to learn more about sources of danger in the daily lives of the nocturnal omnivores. While a veterinarian examines corpses of garden dormice, wildlife stations care for their orphans. And toxicology experts analyze tissue samples in search for environmental poisons and pesticides. Other special forensic units rifle through stomach contents for decisive clues or analyze genetic samples. Time is of the essence. Only if the Dormouse Detectives manage to solve this puzzling case fast, may they still be able to save the species.

Germany 2023, 104 min
by Moritz Mayerle, Annette Scheurich

Children – the meaning of life!?At least in nature. Humans may take a more differentiated view, but animals make enormous efforts to produce as many offspring as possible throughout their lives. But no matter how clearly the goal of life seems to be defined, the paths to animal child happiness could hardly be more different and are as diverse as they are fascinating. In two parts, we show animal parents and children all over the world: on land, on water and in the air – family life in all its facets.

Germany 2022, 50 min
by Tim Visser, Sander van Iersel

When light pollution causes the night to disappear, a fundamental clock for life on earth is thrown out of balance. Animals and plants are threatened by artificial light. Many organisms have found their evolutionary niche in the dark of night and must now adapt to bright nights. Some succeed, but for many the brightness becomes a death trap - and causes species to die. Dedicated researchers now shed a new light on the effects of this nocturnal light on nature. Will science find solutions to the problem?

Germany 2022, 52 min
by Annette Scheurich, Klaus Scheurich

Sun, sand and sea - for us humans, beaches are the epitome of holidays and relaxation. But they are also habitats for animals and plants. An amazing microcosm of nature unfolds between parasols and deckchairs - if you look closely. The actual inhabitants of the beach have developed different strategies to adapt to the tourist hustle and bustle. Whether beach cat, seagull, sand flea, octopus or crab - they all cope well with the annual occupation of their habitat. The film tells beach stories from the animals' point of view - sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic, and always surprising. 

2021, 156 min
by Herbert Ostwald

Ostrich-sized rheas tramp on shoots of fields in Northern Germany. Flocks of bright green parrots screech along Cologne Cathedral. And beaver-like nutrias with orange teeth gnaw on Dutch dikes. All these animal nags are alien and are suspected of causing ecological and economic damage. Do the invaders have to be fought? Or is it just prejudice against hitherto unknown species?This small series of three films gets to the bottom of the accusations against alien species. For this purpose, the immigrated animals are observed in their new environment, their relationships to other species are shown and the latest scientific results are presented.

Germany 2021, 43 min
by Annette Scheurich

Australian pelicans are strange birds. Not only because of their appearance, but above all because of their unusual way of life. Most of the time they live quite peacefully in the coastal regions, but when the inland desert is flooded every 5, 10 or even 20 years, tens of thousands fly there to breed.This film follows the Australian pelicans on their journey to their breeding grounds in the Outback and shows the challenges they face during the breeding season. It reveals a habitat that is generally considered an inhospitable desert yet plays a major role for the waterbirds.

Germany 2020, 52 min
by Daniela Pulverer, Boris Raim

What happens when an animal perishes in the depth of the forest? Who clears up the remains? Why aren’t we surrounded by carcasses? After all, death is a constant and universal visitor …Every death means life for zillions of other living organisms: it is the initiator of a complex cycle we all depend upon. But despite its importance, we know relatively little about the animals that move in after a body has died, the organisms that radically change the body’s chemistry, and the plants that recycle the valuable nutrients contained in every carcass. A film about life after death…

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.

2019, 52 min
by Annette Scheurich

Long days, plenty of food, idleness and la Dolce Vita – for us, this is what summer is all about. But Nature can’t afford to take a holiday. On the contrary, the long hours of sunshine demand peak performance all round. Animals and plants must use these warm and heady days to grow and reproduce.In opulent images, the film reveals how the plant and animal worlds deal with the challenges of summer. An abundance of warmth, light and food should ideally make for a carefree time. But the unbridled energy of summer also manifests itself in extreme heat and violent thunderstorms.

Germany 2019, 52 min
by Annette Scheurich, Joosep Matjus

Matsalu National Park on the North-East Coast of the Baltic Sea is known for being one of Europe’s most important stopover places along the Great Eastern Flyway – a paradise for migrating birds. And it is also a safe haven for the wild giants of the Baltics, the mighty moose. For most of the year, these magnificent creatures roam the open marshes that are the heart of Matsalu National Park. This film follows their exceptional life throughout the year. Even though they are hardly threatened here, the challenges of the moose are manifold.

Germany 2018, 52 min
by Rosie Koch, Roland Gockel

Part 1: The North - From the Coastal Metropolis to the Mountainous Desert OasesPart 2: The South - On the Frankincense Trail along the Sea of Humpback WhalesThe Sultanate of Oman is the home of the legendary Sinbad the Sailor. And even today, it seems like a magical country from the Arabian Nights. The film is a journey on the trail of the old trading caravans – far from the turbulence of war in the Arab world. We discover the magic of the Orient and its people, who inhabit a world suspended between tradition and the modern day world. Frankincense trading and silver smithies, caravans and Bedouin, traditional souks and strong mediaeval fortresses are all signs of the lively trading history that has shaped this country. But this journey into the interior of the country reveals more than just a nostalgic wonderland: Oman’s special regional climate and sparse population make it an ideal refuge for a unique plant and animal world.

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 Annette Scheurich, Klaus Scheurich

Grizzly bears – up to 2.5 metres tall with top weights of 550 kilos, equipped with sharp claws and predators’ jaws to match. We’ve all heard stories of aggressive bear attacks and close encounters… But what are brown bears really like? Renowned bear biologist Chris Morgan is passionate about uncovering their true nature and has studied them for years. In this stunning two-part documentary, Chris is on the trail of the brown bears on the Katmai Coast in Alaska, where he can get closer to them than anywhere else to witness their social lives and survival techniques in intimate detail, revealing a surprisingly sensitive, tolerant, even tender side to the imposing Grizzly.Offering entertaining and informative insights, Chris commentates the bears’ behaviour and explains the peculiarities of Katmai’s unique habitat and its impact on the local population of grizzlies. Always close to the action, his passion for bears shines through and guides us through an engaging and gripping narrative, packed with surprises and intimate bear moments. The two episodes – The Hunger Challenge and The Private Life of Bears – focus on different central aspect of the bears’ lives, from survival to social life, and together provide a rounded, gripping and visually stunning insight into the unusual lives of the Katmai bears.

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 2017, 52 min
by Marlen Hundertmark

They are cute, small and indeed quite special. Their bigger relatives, the elephants, are well known throughout the world, but these little animals with their special charm haven’t received the same publicity yet. In Africa everybody knows them, in Europe nearly nobody. Wrongly, because these little furballs are not only very charming, they also have a very distinct social life. The film tells us a story about Rocky, a young dassie and his family. We come along with them, through the small and big dramas of their life.English version 52minsGerman version 44mins (WDR)

Germany 2017, 52 min
by Anneliese Possberg, Annette Scheurich

The Antarctic region is undoubtedly one of the most remote and inhospitable, yet one of the most beautiful landscapes of the world. This documentary takes us on a journey to the stormy isolated islands of the Southern Ocean. Seals, penguins, seabirds and numerous other animals live and breed in this hostile environment and harsh climate. Only by an icebreaker we can reach the remote coasts of the Antarctic continent where Emperor Penguins defy the life-threatening environment of the vast ice desert at the end of the world.

Germany 2016, 52 min
by Klaus Scheurich

Spring is a time of new beginnings and new life. The world is bursting with joie de vivre, and the sheer force of nature is never more tangible than during this season. Birds chirp at the top of their lungs, insects buzz through the air and blossoms magically touch the landscape with colour. Creatures of all kinds – starlings, squirrels and frogs – begin to have their young.In forests, fields, meadows and gardens, nature awakens from her winter sleep: buds swell, fresh green leaves begin to sprout, tender plants spring up out of the ground. The world takes on colour again. The still, barren wintertime is past, and spring is a gaily-hued fanfare – high-spirited and full of zest.The magic of spring in all its glory is the focus of this film. Unusual animal stories – some humorous, some dramatic – create a very special springtime feel. Upbeat, amusing and exciting, the film illustrates vividly that spring is the loveliest season of all.

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 2014, 52 min
by Annette Scheurich, William Lampert

Jamaica is famous as the home of reggae, rasta, laid-back Caribbean feeling - and pushcarts. These unique and mostly home-made hand carts are the typical mode of transport seen at the island’s lively and colourful markets. And their capabilities as fruit and veg stall, mobile kitchen or miniature shoe shop are as varied as the life stories of their charismatic owners...

Germany 2013, 52 min
by Klaus Scheurich

Winter casts a very special, magical spell. It’s a time for traditions and customs: snowmen come to life, Santas wander through brightly-lit Christmas markets, much to the delight of the children. But indigenous animal life pays no heed to this human idyll. For them, winter is a time of austerity. Squirrels, boars and lynx all have their own strategy for surviving the winter. But despite an amazing ability to adapt, the fight for survival is hard. The film takes us on a journey through a wintry landscape- underscored by a childlike enthusiasm for the cold season. Snow-covered fairy-tale landscapes, unusual wildlife stories and touching tales about animals create a special heart-warming winter atmosphere that not even adults can escape.

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.  

Germany 2011, 52 min
by Herbert Ostwald

They steal handbags, open cars and have no respect for humans. The last baboons of the Table Mountain region have become a real plague.
The resident population is split into sympathetic protectors and fierce opponents. The animals are deliberately run over by cars, shot and poisoned. 
According to scientists the baboons have to relearn that humans are a threat in order to survive. Thus a special force has been recruited from the townships: the „Baboon Police“. Day and night the „officers“ follow the marauding baboon troops trying to chase away the monkeys with slingshots, sticks and whips. 
The documentary follows the „Baboon Police“ and their marauding monkey clans. Is there still a chance for humans and baboons to live in peaceful neighbourhood?

Germany 2010, 90 min
by Annette Scheurich

The Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains are like twins; separated by the Rhine Valley millions of years ago. Today, they form two different habitats: in the Vosges Mountains bright deciduous woodlands prevail. Rare animals like the Lynx roam the forests and storks fly in flocks around the valleys and nest in the towns. The Black Forest with its coniferous woods and secret animals seems darker, except when thick snow in the winter lights up the mountains with brilliant covers. An emotional portray about land an nature, including also customs and traditions still being performed today. Work in progress, completion date June 2010.

Germany 2009, 43 min
by Herbert Ostwald

A library on four legs – the worlds only existing Camel Library is located in Northern Kenya. As they pass antelopes and giraffes, the heavily loaded caravan of camels are routinely carrying books through the rough savannah. In the villages with their houses of mud and dung these tenacious desert ships are wishfully awaited by the people of the nomadic Muslim tribes. Under the shade of acacia trees, especially the children are excitedly turning pages of school books, novels and comics. However, 400 kilometers outside of the capital city of Nairobi the local librarians are still struggling with illiteracy, old traditions, insufficient funds, blistering sun and – stubborn camels… This is the story about the Camel Library, about inquisitive children, about the origins of a book and about a camel and an exceptional librarian in the heart of Africa within the UNESCO-world decade of alphabetization.

Germany 2008, 43 min
by Tim Förderer, Annette Scheurich

DEEP SEA Deep sea: 1000m below the surface – there is no light, instead an immense pressure and icy temperatures. The deep sea encompasses more than 90% of the planets habitat. Yet we know less about the depths of our oceans than we do about the surface of the moon. This film documents the technical, scientific, and ecological challenges faced by deep sea researchers. One of the largest scale projects to date is called ARGO. Scientists around the globe work together in an effort to gather data on the physical state of the upper ocean. They use more than 3000 battery powered floats to detect potential influences of the deep sea on weather systems like the El Nino or the monsoon. Does the ocean affect global climate change? The deep sea might even offer solutions when it comes to the issue of CO2. Is there a way to sink the gas in the depths of the ocean? Researchers in the Okinawa Trough are trying to find out. In addition the sea floor harbors humongous amounts of resources: oil, natural gas, methane. There is also an abundance of gold, copper, and manganese. Scientists work hard to try and locate these materials. Millions of deep sea dwellers are waiting for their discovery. If these bizarre ocean creatures will ever be fully grasped is doubtful. Still researchers are trying to account for them in the “Census of Marine Life” species catalogue. They are hoping to find new pharmaceutical components. The expenditures that come with these scientific projects are enormous. Huge research vessels and high-tech equipment are necessary to get to the depths of the oceans secrets. Still these efforts remain mere visits to the unknown. Scientists are secretly dreaming of research stations on the ocean floor that would enable them to keep a more constant eye on the abyss. By presenting exciting new projects worldwide, this film offers insight into recent deep sea research. It shows, that there is still a lot to be discovered on planet earth. Finally, it recognizes that the unknown world of the ocean affects life on this entire planet in ways we never knew before. It offers new and invaluable insights concerning both the origin and the future of life on earth.

Germany 2006
by Marcel Steuermann, Annette Scheurich

July 1946. Bikini. An Atoll of the Marshall Islands, somewhere in the vast blue of the Pacific Ocean, between the Philippines and Hawaii. A place that could hardly be more remote. But it was its remoteness from all Western civilization which doomed it for destruction, as it was for exactly this reason that the American forces chose it as the site of the first atomic explosions after Hiroshima. A formidable fleet of discharged battleships was gathered in order to sink them all in the most spectacular way. Testing the destructive power of the bombs was not the only objective; they also wanted to make a big impression in the oncoming Cold War with the Soviet Union. During their “Operation Crossroads” in July 1946, they detonated two atomic bombs, sinking a ghost fleet of 84 battleships in the process. They were also destroying nature, life both above and under water. Parts of the huge atoll ring incurred long-term contamination. To this day, food needs to be imported to the islands. Attempts at resettling the inhabitants – who had been forcibly evacuated – were abandoned in the 1970ies. The remaining radiation of 23 atomic bombs that had been detonated on the Bikini Atoll up until 1958 was still much too high. The armed forces have long since left the atoll. Nature was able to repair many of the man-made damages, although not all of them. To this day, the crater left by the hydrogen bomb Bravo in 1954 looks like a submarine moonscape, where new corals barely gain a foothold. Yet other reefs in the formerno-go area had a chance to develop back to their former splendor, undisturbed for many decades. Even the sharks were safe from Asian fishing fleets. It would be difficult to find such a healthy shark population anywhere else, and they are known for their aggressiveness. A mutation brought about by the tests? The fauna has re-conquered its realm. It has turned gigantic wrecks, like the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga or the Japanese battleship Nagato, into huge artificial reefs. Hideaways for countless fish, corals and other lower animals. The wrecks of the ghost fleet have by now become a veritable diver's dream spot. The Bikini Atoll: 60 years after the first nuclear tests a paradise has come back to life. largely unexplored, it is precisely because those traces of the nuclear past still cast their shadow, that this place is like no other.