MADAGASCAR – You Beauty!
“Madagascar – You Beauty” – is how they sing about the magic island in the Indian Ocean. And not without reason, because this remote island is home to unique flora and fauna, unlike anything else you will find in the world.
This film takes us on a journey through Madagascar, from the dry, spiny forrest in the south west, where mighty baobab trees shape the skyline, to the primeval rainforests of the north east. We will hear the eery cry of the lemur, and come upon an astonishingly wide variety of bizarre creatures including mysterious Kattas and chameleons.
On our sojourn we take a glimpse at the daily life of the Madagascan tribes: at the coast, fishing and shipbuilding are traditional crafts, while inland they cultivate rice, coffee and vanilla beans. But one thing unites all Madagascans, regardless of their origin: a deep-seated respect for nature, which is reflected in the beliefs and the mythology of all its people. The most moving and lasting impression, however, is the sheer zest for life of these island folk, which is expressed in dance and music – as the song, “Madagascar – You Beauty” so clearly demonstrates.
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WILD FACES OF THE ANDES
Documentary (52 min) by Steffen Sailer, 2011
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.[more]
BABOON BANDITS
Monkey Alert in South Africa
Documentary (1 x 45 min), ZDF/ Arte, 2011
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. The days of the last baboons at the Cape seem to be numbered.
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?[more]
THE VOSGES REGION
Rugged Beauty
ZDF/Arte (45 min)
On Air: March 17th 2011 (ARTE)
Sunlit forests, marshy floodplains and colourful sandstone formations. The Vosges is a multifaceted low mountain region bursting with life in the summer months. Chamois, deer and hedgehogs abound in the forests and hills, the valley marshes are alive with songbirds, insects and frogs; stork nests adorn the roofs of the picturesque villages and towns, and cows contentedly munch the lush grass of high meadow pastures.
We experience the Vosges from spring through autumn, in all kinds of weather – as a habitat into which man’s traditions have been introduced harmoniously and the wilderness still finds space of its own. The Vosges – a nature paradise of rugged beauty.
THE BLACK FOREST
Wilderness with a View
ZDF/Arte (45 min)
On Air: March 16th 2011 (ARTE)
Breathtaking scenery, centuries-old traditions and a wealth of fauna – Germany’s highest low mountain range has much more to offer than just traditional bobbled hats and cuckoo clocks. The Black Forest is a nature idyll in the heart of Europe.
In a series of highly atmospheric images, the film portrays the richness of nature in the Black Forest. It illustrates how roe deer, stags, birds and other wildlife flourish in the lushness of early autumn, how they survive the harsh, snowy winter, and their joy at the awakening of spring.
We experience a Black Forest in which nature plays a prominent role, and man has found ways to unite harmoniously the traditional with the modern in many areas.
THE EUROPEAN WILD CAT
Secret Predator without Borders(43')
NDR Naturfilm (2010)
The European wild cat is ostensibly familiar to us, as we assume to have an exact copy on our couches at home. But no wild cat has ever been tamed. Its life is a secret well kept - hidden away in the forests of the European continent.
But even though they are hard to find, wild cats were wiped out almost entirely over the last centuries. Hunters accused them of preying on the precious chicks of future Christmas turkeys and hunters don’t like competition. Even worse, as agricultural cultivation progressed, the wild cat lost most of it its natural habitat: Large deciduous and mixed forests on which the reclusive predator relies on for its wide-stretching forays.
Today the wild cat has become a symbol of conservation throughout Europe and fortunately great efforts are undertaken for its shelter. Slowly and secretly the wild cat is reclaiming its legitimate place in our European forests.
CHILIES TO THE RESCUE!
Easing the Human-elephant Conflict (50')
ZDF/ARTE (2010)
Finalist at the Wildlife Vaasa International Film Festival 2010, Finland
Protection measures and 20years of prohibition of the ivory trade are making an impact: Almost all countries in Africa are reporting a rise in elephant numbers. In the past two decades, the population of these grey giants doubled to over 30.000, alone in the Safari-Paradise of Kenya. At the same time the population of humans is growing. Man and elephant require space. Conflicts between both are unavoidable and the survival of the biggest land mammal is again endangered.
The battle between humans and elephants is getting more grisly and costlier. Some countries react with culling, a worldwide controversial method. The goal of most countries is not to kill but to discourage the elephants from raiding the fields. Guile and wile are asked for. Conservationists and gamekeepers of Africa are researching new methods to manage the jumbos: especially chilli peppers seem very promising as the elephants’ long trunks are very sensitive to the hot spice. But the question remains: Is there any chance for a permanent and peaceful coexistence of humans and elephants? How many elephants can the African continent handle?
CARAVAN OF THE BOOKS
Kenya’s Mobile Camel Library (50')
ZDF/ARTE (2010)
2nd prize for the „Best Story“ at the Natur Vision Film Festival 2010 in Neuschönau, Germany
A library on four legs – the world's 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.
OPERATION DEEP SEA (52')
ZDF/ARTE 2008
Available on DVD – please see our Shop
by Tim Förderer and Annette Scheurich
Camera: Klaus Scheurich
Finalist at the International Science Film Festival of Athens 2010, Greece
Honorable Mention at the Blue Ocean Film Festival 2010, Georgia, USA
Finalist at the FOCAL International Film Festival 2010, London, Great Britain
Finalist at the Yunnan International Green Film Festival 2010, China
Finalist at the Escales Documentaires, Festival International du Documentaire de Création 2009, France
Finalist at the Internationalen Berg- und Abenteuer Filmfestival 2009, Graz, Austria
Finalist at the International Scientific Film Festival 2009 in Szolnok, Hungary
This thrilling documentary shows the fascinating explorations of international scientists to the unknown depths of our oceans. How do the deep seas influence our climate? What kind of creatures can survive here? Will we be able to harvest the vast treasures on the seabed? In a world of dwindling resources and a changing environment, we must learn more about the element that makes this planet a blue one.
[more]
THE MYTH OF WOLVES (43’)
MDR/ARTE 2007
Part of the series Mythos Tier (Animal Myths), HD
The wolve today, in history and mythology.
by Marcel Steuermann and Annette Scheurich
Camera: Klaus Scheurich[more]
THE MYTH OF SHEEP (43’)
MDR/ARTE 2007
Part of the series Mythos Tier (Animal Myths), HD
The sheep today, in history and mythology.
by Rosie Koch and Annette Scheurich
Camera: Klaus Scheurich[more]
THE MYTH OF CATS (43’)
MDR/ARTE 2007
Part of the series Mythos Tier (Animal Myths), HD
The cat today, in history and mythology.
by Annette Scheurich
Camera: Klaus Scheurich[more]
MADAGASCAR
Mystical- Magical- Memorable (45’), HD
WWF, KFW, Angap 2006
by Annette Scheurich
Camera: Klaus Scheurich
Finalist at the Festival de l'Oiseau et de la Nature 2010, Abbeville, France
Madagascar is a country of marvels. Fantastic landscapes, bizarre flora and fauna, and people infused with a deep cultural and spiritual love for nature, which is shaped by animal legends, myths, taboos and ancestor worship. Add to that the characteristically good temper of the inhabitants and it is little wonder that more and more ecotourists and independent travelers are being drawn to that fascinating island.[more]
BIKINI-ATOLL
Paradise Restricted (43’), HD
ARTE/ZDF, Context TV, 2006
by Annette Scheurich and Marcel Steuermann
Camera: Klaus Scheurich, UW: Jan Hinrich Hoffmann, Lawrence Wahba
Winner of the Golden Statue of the 40th ROSHD International Film Festival 2010, Tehran, Iran
"Best Film about water", Green Vision Festival 2007 in St. Petersburg
The islands of Bikini rose from the sea many million years ago, and in the course of time survived countless natural catastrophes. But what does it look like today, 50 years after the destruction wrought by nuclear testing?
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Generating German Versions of 100 hours of programming for Off the Fence.
Partial list of series adapted for the German market:
Tierisch Extrem
(The Most Extreme, NHNZ, 32 x 45min)
Shark Gordon
(Shark Gordon, NHNZ, 14 x 25min)
Gefahrenplatz Tiefsee
(The Deep, Oxford Television, 3 x 50min)[more]
THE MYTH OF HORSES
All the World's Happiness... (43’)
MDR/ARTE 2006
Part of the series Mythos Tier (Animal Myths), HD
The horse today, in history and mythology.
by Annette Scheurich and Rosie Koch
Camera: Klaus Scheurich[more]
THE MYTH OF EAGLES
Gift of Heaven (43’)
MDR/ARTE 2006
Part of the series Mythos Tier (Animal Myths), HD
The eagle today, in history and mythology.
by Herbert Ostwald
Camera: Klaus Scheurich[more]
THE MYTH OF BEARS
Teddy's Bigger Brothers (43’)
MDR/ARTE 2006
Part of the series Mythos Tier (Animal Myths), HD
The bear today, in history and mythology.
by Herbert Ostwald
Camera: Klaus Scheurich[more]
ADDICTED TO FLIGHT (52'), HD
DocLab, National Geographic Channel (2006)
by Marco Visalberghi and Andrea Brambilla
Camera: Klaus Scheurich
World champion hang-glider Angelo d´Arrigo (†) wants to set a new world first. He is preparing for a flight over the tallest mountain in the Americas, mount Aconcagua, without supplementary oxygen or a motor. The film attends this unprecedented event, from its very inception until the moment Angelo makes his final aerial ascent.
[more]
CONDORMAN (3 x 5'), HD
SWR, DocLab (2005)
by Annette Scheurich
Camera: Klaus Scheurich
Three short films about a man and his passion: Angelo d´Arrigo (†) pilot, scientist and world-record breaker in hang-gliding facing his last successful challange to learn to fly like a condor.
Part 1: Angelo and his passion for flying
Part 2: Angelo and the condor
Part 3: Obsessed on flying
SQUIDS
Hunting for the White Gold (52’), HD
ARTE (2005)
by Owen Prümm and Annette Scheurich
Camera: Owen Prümm
Nomination at the ROSHD Interantional Film Festival 2005, Tehran, Iran
Spectacular underwater recordings of the hidden and largely unknown life of these delicate sea dwellers.
[more]
THE WHITE DIAMOND (87’), HD / Super 16
NDR-Naturfilm , Germany; NHK, Japan; BBC, U.K.; Supported by MDM (2004)
Author and director Werner Herzog.
Camera: Henning Brümmer, Klaus Scheurich
A film about the daring adventure of exploring the rainforest canopy with a novel flying device – the Jungle Airship.
The Marco-Polo-Film team joins Werner Herzog for an adventurous expedition through the Guyanan primeval forests, where the cameraman rises above the tree tops with a new type of helium-powered two-seat airship - THE WHITE DIAMOND – and delivers stunning scenes from the peaks of the pristine forest, never filmed before.
[more]
FLYING FOX
Wings of the Night (52’), HD
Australia/Germany ZDF (2004)
Author and producer: Annette Scheurich
Director and camera: Phil Lomas, Co-producer Larry Zetlin.
The exciting, amusing and shocking natural history of the flying fox, seen from a modern Aboriginal Australian’s point of view.
First Prize: The best Film in category "Man and Nature", 5. Matsalu Loodusfilmide Festival 2007, Lihula, ESTONIA
Nomination at the Wildlife Asia Film Festival 2007, Singapore
Nomination at the International Television Festival on Urban Ecology 2005, Spain[more]
THE PET AND THE BEAST – 100 Years of Natural History Perception (52’), HD
Germany , Arte, ARD regional programmes (2004)
Author and director Gerhard Thiel
Award for the Best Use of Footage in a Science or Natural History Production, Focal International Awards 2006, London, UK
Special Award of the Prime Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate, Special Jury Award, (International Wildlife Film Festival) NATURALE 2005, Kusel, Germany
Nomination at Nanook Filmfestival 2005, Palermo, Italy
Nomination at International Wildlife Film Festival Missoula 2005, Montana, USA[more]
WILD EUROPEANS ( 4 x 28’), HD
VOX, sponsored by the European Union (2004)
Director: Annette Scheurich
Author: Tim Förderer
Camera: Markus Zeugin
Four portraits of European landscapes and their natural inhabitants.
1) The Cold North
2) The Hot South
3) Nature Without Bounds
4) The Wild East
FANTASTIC CREATURES (12 x 5’), HD
Twelve 5 minute portraits of animals for WDR /Tier hoch Vier, Germany (2004)
Author Tim Förderer, Camera David Hannan
Awards: Best Children Series - Grades K.-5, International Wildlife Film Festival Missoula, Montana 2005, USA
Major Award for best cinematography, ROSHD International Film Festival 2005, Tehran, Iran
Nomination at the 3 rd WAGA Brothers International Festival of Nature Films 2004, Warsaw, Poland
FANTASTIC CREATURES
The Sea Horse (5’), HD
The world of the sea horse.
GERMANY/AUSTRALIA (2003)
Author Tim Förderer, Camera David Hannan
Official Selection San Francisco Ocean Film Festival 2005, USA
Nomination at medimed 2004, Sitges, SPAIN
Nomination at the Festival International du Film Animalier 2004, Albert, FRANCE
Nomination at 3 rd WAGA Brothers International Festival of Nature Films 2004, Warsaw, POLAND
Nomination at FRAPNA 18 th International Nature & Environment Film Festival, Grenoble, FRANCE
Diploma of Honour at ROSHD International Film Festival 2003, Tehran, IRAN
Nomination at the International Festival of Professional Films, TV and Videoprogrammes EKOTOPFILM 2003, Bratislava, SLOWAK REPUBLIC
Nomination at Living Europe 2003, The Nature and Science Film Festival, Sundsvall, SWEDEN
Nomination at 2 nd WAGA Brothers International Festival of Nature Films 2003, Warsaw, POLAND
A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH (28’)
A report on beaver management in Bavaria.
GERMANY (Arte 2001)
Director Herbert Oswald, Camera Roland Gockel
Nomination at the Internationales Berg & Abenteuer Filmfestival, 2001, Graz, AUSTRIA
Nomination at the International Festival of Professional Films, TV and Videoprogrammes EKOTOPFILM, 2001, Bratislava, SLOWAK REPUBLIC
Merit Award for Conservation Message at the International Wildlife Filmfestival Missoula 2002, Montana, USA[more]
STRANGLER FIGS - The Deadly Grasp (28', 43’)
Trees as conquerors, dramatic events in another dimension of time.
AUSTRALIA (NDR Naturfilm 2000)
Camera Klaus Scheurich
Nomination at the Festival International du Film Animalier 2001, Albert, FRANCE
Merit Award International Wildlife Film Festival Missoula, Montana 2001, USA
Nomination at the Japan Wildlife Festival 2001, Toyama, JAPAN
Nomination at FRAPNA 16th International Nature & Environment Film Festival, Grenoble, FRANCE
Nomination at the Internationales Berg & Abenteuer Filmfestival, 2001, Graz, AUSTRIA
The Golden Book Award, Roshd International Film Festival 2001, Tehran, IRAN
Nomination at Naturvision 2002, Neuschönau, GERMANY
Nomination at the 2 nd WAGA Brothers International Festival of Nature Films 2003, Warsaw, POLAND[more]
THE MONKEY ALLIANCE (43’)
An extraordinary society of primates.
Ivory Coast, ARD/NDR (1999)
Author Annette Scheurich
Director/Camera Klaus Scheurich[more]
THE YEAR OF THE HAMSTER (28’)
Survival in an industrial landscape.
GERMANY, ZDF (1999)
Author Annette Scheurich
Director/Camera Klaus Scheurich
Gold Medal Award, NATURALE 2000, Kaiserslautern, GERMANY
Crystal Eagle/European Award, European Film Festival Valvert, Bruxelles 2000, BELGIUM
The Vattenfall Environemental Award, Wildlife Europe 1999 Festival, Sundsvall, SWEDEN
Gold Medal Award, International Wildlife Film Festival NATURALE 2000, Kaiserslautern, GERMANY
Merit Award, International Wildlife Film Festival Missoula, Montana 2000, USA
Nomination at the Festival International du Film Animalier, Albert, FRANCE
Nomination at the Internationales Berg & Abenteuer Filmfestival Graz, AUSTRIA[more]
THE ENCHANTED FOREST OF THE PYGMY HIPPOPOTAMUS (43')
IVORY COAST, ARD/NDR (1998)
Author Annette Scheurich
Director/Camera Klaus Scheurich
First pictures ever of the wild pygmy hippopotamus in its natural environment.
Merit Award, International Wildlife Film Festival Missoula, Montana 1999, USA
Bronze Medal Award, International Wildlife Festival NATURALE 1999, Bad Dürkheim, GERMANY[more]
KOALA DREAMS
Tales of the Old Growth Forest (52') (43’)
AUSTRALA, ARD/NDR International (1997)
Author Annette Scheurich
Director/Camera Klaus Scheurich
Nature as part of Dreamtime.
Merit Award, International Wildlife Film Festival Missoula, Montana 1998, USA[more]
KANGAROOS
First Time Leaving the Pouch (15')
AUSTRALIA (ZDF 1996)
Camera: Klaus Scheurich
How Kangaroos raise their young.
Silver Medal Award, NATURALE 1997, Bad Dürkheim, GERMANY
KOALAS
Eucalyptus Only, Please (12’)
AUSTRALIA (ZDF 1995)
Author Annette Scheurich, Director/Camera Klaus Scheurich
Koala as food specialist.
Honor's Award, BIOVISION 1996; Düsseldorf, GERMANY
SAVE THE WEST AFRICAN FORESTS
IVORY COAST (GTZ 1995)
Author Annette Scheurich, Director/Camera Klaus Scheurich
6 Documentaries on nature protection and sustainable use of the rain forests.
AMAZONIAN RIVER WOLVES (45’)
Spectacular journey into the realm of the giant otter.
PERU (1993)
Script and director: Christof Schenk, Elke Staib
Camera: Klaus Scheurich
Bronze Medal Award, International Wildlife Film Festival NATURALE 1996, Kusel, GERMANY
The Manu National Park is one of the last retreats of the giant otter. It is two meters in length and used to be found all over the Amazonas region. The two zoologists Elke Staib and Christof Schenck spent three years studying the giant otters. This film, produced in 1992 under most difficult conditions, features the life of giant otters and the work of the two biologists.
GIANT OTTER IN PERU (15')
Jungle lakes, habitat of the Giant Otter
PERU (ZDF 1993)
Author Annette Scheurich
Director/Camera Klaus Scheurich
Bronze Medal Award, International Wildlife Festival NATURALE 1996, Kusel , GERMANY
GORILLAS IN ZAIRE (12’)
ZAIRE (ZDF 1992)
Camera: Klaus Scheurich
Nature Conservation Program for the Eastern Lowland Gorilla.
TRANS AFRICA WITH KID AND CAMERA (4 x 45’)
AFRICA (SWF, 1991)
Author Annette Scheurich
Director/Camera Klaus Scheurich
Available on DVD – please see our Shop
Trans Africa, from Marocco cross-continent to CapeTown 1989-1991.
[more]
THE SULTAN OF ZINDER
NIGER, ZDF (1990)
Camera Klaus Scheurich
A traditional monarch and his entourage
