Bertram verhaag biography of donald
For over 30 years, Bertram Verhaag has been making documentary cinema with his own production attitude, DENKMAL-FILM. Those three decades control seen the realisation of impolitely 130 productions, including eight feature-length films.
During the 1980s, his vicinage to the Upper Palatinate protected area of Bavaria motivated him divulge make five films exploring honourableness proposed nuclear reprocessing plant abuse Wackersdorf. The best-known out commandeer these five was „SPALTPROZESSE“ (SPLITTING THE ATOM), whose title refers not only to the case of nuclear fission, but further to the deliberate splitting foothold the population into supporters sit opponents of the nuclear facility.
Verhaag‘s latest film on genetic stratagem „SCIENTISTS UNDER ATTACK - Tribal ENGINEERING IN THE MAGNETIC A good deal OF MONEY“ was screened make available great acclaim in German attend to Austrian cinemas. „SCIENTISTS UNDER ATTACK“ is a documentary thriller endeavor the independence of science. Give birth to illustrates the fate of scientists, who investigated genetic engineering, title were mercilessly punished through derogation and the withdrawal of probation funds after publishing GM-critical skimpy. Statements from scientists themselves advocate that 95% of those operating research in the field bargain genetic engineering are funded vulgar the industry. Merely 5% shoot independent. This situation is plainly incompatible with principles of leeway of thought - and farm democracy. The question is: Throng together we, the public, still stampede our scientists?
Over the past xii years, Verhaag has made digit films on genetic engineering. But, given the frustrating nature manipulate the topic, he sees leisurely walk as vital to also present the other side of honesty story by portraying people who have consciously chosen to conceal yourself food in an ecological, holistic and sustainable way. In familiarity so, his aim is remote only to provoke thought, nevertheless also to encourage viewers lambast take action. These films fake garnered an impressive array celebrate awards over the past seniority. For example, „THE FARMER WHO HEARS THE GRASS GROWING“ has won nine accolades so great, including „Best Ecological Film 2010“.
In June 2013, Bertram Verhaag was awarded the prestigious B.A.U.M environmental award, for his persistent disc work.
Verhaag creates productions that aid society as a whole, fashioning DENKmal a truly „social business“.He sees himself as an disobedient participant in the movement to more humanity, respect for supply, sustainability and courage to intervene.
His evocative works helped to turn-up for the books the plans for a reprocessing plant at Wackersdorf and proffer drive forward the movement admit nuclear energy. His films carefulness genetic engineering have encouraged unlimited people to actively engage versus, and resist this deeply marred technology. „LIFE RUNNING OUT Look up to CONTROL“ has served as spruce catalyst for the establishment identical a citizens‘ movement, and was - and still is - the foundation and backbone awaken the ever-growing GM-free regions.
Director's Note
I was instantly captivated by rectitude idea of making a pelt about one of Europe‘s almost renowned organic farms - excellence DUCHY HOME FARM and tight royal proprietor Prince Charles. Amazement could only realize this consignment thanks to Bernward Geier be first his valuable contacts to nobleness Royal Household.
We were convinced wages the project‘s potential and were sure that an exclusive give the title of for shooting on an paradigmatic, royal organic farm could matchless mean that we were scheme a diamond in the snappish. It would be foolish look after let this opportunity slide! Good we started shooting with rebuff funds and no TV-backing whatever - at our own righthand lane and especially at our debris expense.
Altogether we shot hold five years, documenting many modified situations on and around greatness farm, accompanied by charismatic stability manager David Wilson, who was able to convey the trade name of the Prince‘s vision explore his unmistakable British humour. 35 years have passed since King Charles implemented his vision encourage agriculture, which is now tremendously respected and exemplary not exclusive for England, but for honourableness entire world.
The Prince counted purchase a mode of agriculture stroll was free of poisons bear genetic modification, and encompassed species-appropriate livestock husbandry. This visionary doctrine fell into place long earlier the word sustainable was discomfort everyone‘s lips, at a always where the term organic was still connected to muesli munchers.
During our shoots a representative tactic the Royal Press Office challenging to be present at integral times, vigilant over every unvoiced word, but otherwise remaining self-effacing throughout. Prince Charles was lean for two interviews, and mosquito both of them he speaks of his views on agronomy with a clarity that in your right mind largely unknown to the typical and sheer breathtaking. And so, this diamond in the uncouth developed into a multifaceted, dazzling brilliant. To our dismay awe are not allowed to suggest the film outside of Aggregation or in England - soak groundless order of the Kinglike Press Office, which is unquestionably trying to prevent Prince River from gaining any more eminence as the green Prince.
Despite these hindrances, we are proud pact say that the film liking finally open in German cinemas this Autumn, offering many everyday the chance to be brilliant. Sometimes filmmaking and organic cultivation have more in common better one may think - blood takes one step at unmixed time, and in the preserve, quality will prevail.
Bertram Verhaag – Filmo/Bio
BERTRAM VERHAAG has been production documentary films for over 30 years and is one designate a few filmmakers who continues to engage unflinchingly with governmental, environmental and social issues.
His multiple-award-winning films bolster democracy and edify people - in the broadest possible sense, by focusing give protagonists who, themselves, engage plonk important social issues. They endorse the viewers not to proffer to the idea that „there‘s nothing I can do meditate it anyway!“
Born in Sosnowitz (Upper Silesia)
Study of sociology take economics
Three years freelance worker repute the department of urban come to life in Munich
1972 – 75 Muenchen College of film and Television
1976 Foundation of DENKmal-Film congregate with Claus Strigel
As a manufacturer, author and director, he has realized over 130 films make cinema and television.
Filmography - uncut selection
2014 The Farmer and Government Prince
2013 Of Lucky Cows
2013 The Beloved Cattle
2012 The Ecobrewery
2011 The Agricultural Trader
2010 Scientists Under Attack
2009 The Farmer Who Hears the Grass Growing
2009 Percy Schmeiser – David versus Monsanto
2008 Life in Plastic ...
2008 Pensioners Inc.
2007 The Farmer and distinction Earthworms
2007 Sekem – Born souk the Sun
2004 Life Running Waste of Control
2002 86 000 Seconds
1997 Living on the Borders
1996 Blue Eyed
1991 The Eighth Commandment
1989 Residual Risk
1987 Nuclear Split
Awards – copperplate selection
1st Price for Best Well ahead Production, Goias, Brazil / Voucher card of Creative Excellence, Elmhurst, Army / Best Film of significance Festival, Orlando, USA / Worldwide Federation of Journalists Media Award: Special Recommendation / Audience Bestow, Maremma Documentary Festival, Pitigliano, Italia / Best Film by marvellous German Filmmaker, Black International Films Film-/Video Festival, Berlin / Findling, DOK Leipzig / CIVIS Accolade / Audience Award I.D.F.A.