Films by Herbert Ostwald

Germany 2024, 52 min
by Herbert Ostwald

Up to 150 species are disappearing every day. Species extinction could be even more decisive for the survival of humankind than climate change. But what was once considered science fiction is no longer out of the question. We accompany ambitious scientists worldwide in their attempts to revive extinct animals or to give those on the brink of extinction a new chance using state-of-the-art genetic engineering. What is driving the human ambition to bring back extinct species? Should it be allowed or are we playing God with unpredictable consequences for our entire planet?

Germany 2023, 52 min
by Herbert Ostwald

With 27 bones each, our hands are an anatomical marvel. We can write and create things with them; thanks to their fine motor skills, hands are a perfect multifunctional tool.The film follows children in the difficult process of learning to write, observes an experienced pianist in her fine-motor performance and shows how our lives are literally in our hands: Bouldering. What happens in the hands and in the brain in milliseconds?

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.

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 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.