Based on an essay written by noted best-selling novelist Jonathan Franzen for The New Yorker, ‘Emptying the Skies’ chronicles the rampant poaching of migratory songbirds in southern Europe. Songbird populations have been drastically declining for several decades, and a number of species face imminent extinction. The film explores the wonder of these tiny globe-flying marvels, millions of which are unlawfully slaughtered each year for large sums on the black market.
Blossoming fruit trees, colourful meadows, buzzing bees and luscious fruit – traditional orchards are like natural oases in our modern-day agricultural landscape. They are natural habitats for numerous rare grasses and herbs which attract diverse animal species – from foxes to butterflies and even the common redstart, it’s swarming with wildlife. Tall trunks of fruit trees add another level to the meadow - and apples, pears, cherries and walnuts are not only delicious tidbits for human beings.
For a long time it had been believed to be a mythical desert yeti. The extremely shy Gobi bears are among world‘s rarest animals. About 30 specimen supposedly have survived in the Gobi desert. Mongolian scientists have now verified the existence of the legendary small brown bear: at a watering place the bear walked into a camera trap. At this moment a comprehensive research and preservation program is getting started. A thrilling expedition, tracing one of the most fascinating animals on earth.
The environmental problems caused by fracking in America have been well publicised but what’s less known are the gas industry’s plans for expansion in other countries. This investigation, filmed in Botswana, South Africa, Alaska and North America, reveals how fracking plants are quietly invading some of the most protected places on the planet - including Africa’s national parks.
In the Ruhr district of Germany, we witness the comeback of a small river and an entire landscape. For decades, the Emscher was the most polluted river in Europe. Now, it’s being returned from an industrial sewer to a natural river system. With the help of waste water treatment plants, liberated river beds, and returning animal species, this unique natural region is blossoming.
