Films by Erik Sick

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.

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 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.