Darßer NaturfilmFestival 2025: Program section "NatureShorts"
The Isar estuary - a floodplain landscape of European importance
The Isar estuary, one of the most valuable estuaries in Germany, is a unique habitat characterized by water. The film shows the diversity of the river, alluvial forests, meadows and dry grasslands as well as the return of endangered species through renaturation. Fascinating underwater, drone and time-lapse shots capture the beauty and dynamics of the landscape. The Isar estuary information center shows the importance of this natural jewel for flood protection, drinking water and biodiversity.
Germany // 2024 // 14 min. // FSK 0
Director: Ingo Zahlheimer // Writer: Ingo Zahlheimer // Cinematographer: Ingo Zahlheimer // Editors: Julius Kramer, Ingo Zahlheimer // Music: musicfox // Sound: Florian Ebrecht // Production: Landratsamt Deggendorf
Mû
The child and the otter live in a small house in the forest. Their water source has dried up a while ago. In their distress, they set off together into the snow-covered mountains to take a supply from the icecaps ... Illustrator Malin Neumann's first animated film is a poetic tale in warm colors about the vital importance of water.
Germany // 2023 // 6 min // no age rating
Director: Malin Neumann // Script: Malin Neumann // Animation: Malin Neumann // Sound: Henning Großmann // Music: Henric Schleiner // Production: Malin Neumann
SinkingLand - The Cost of Draining Bogs
Fascinatingly, bogs are both water and land. They are home to rare plants, special animals and enormous amounts of carbon. However, these unique ecosystems are rarely found in Germany and 95% have been drained for economic reasons. And this poses a massive threat to our climate. Drainage turns the climate protector into a climate killer, emitting huge amounts of carbon dioxide every year. In this film, we spoke to researchers, farmers and politicians to find out how the renaturation of these areas can succeed both practically and socially. And we can already reveal one thing: It's not easy.
Germany // 2024 // 20 min. // no age rating
Director: Anna Stuhlmann // Writer: Anna Stuhlmann // Cinematographer: Daniel Grootz // Editor: Anna Stuhlmann // Music: Dmitry Klenin // Sound: Leah Striegel // Producer:in: Anna-Lena Herzmann // Production: Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg
Love Letter to a Tree
Based on a true story and nature-inspired poetry, Love Letter to a Tree follows Ira, a young woman whose hectic life changes when she discovers a hidden letter in an old tree. As she reads the thoughts of Maja, who once found solace under the same tree, Ira embarks on a journey of self-discovery and builds a deep connection with nature, which offers her wisdom, strength and peace amidst the chaos of life.
Germany // 2024 // 10 min // FSK 0
Director: Simona Theoharova // Written by: Anke Sabrina Beermann, Simona Theoharova //Cinematography: Nikolas Mühe, Isabelle Duchène, Amaya Benbow // Editing: Bernadette Marquardt // Music: Sascha Blank // Sound: Benjamin Christ, Nico Hertel // Producer:in: Anke Sabrina Beermann // Production: M&H Productions