Cologne/Cannes, 19 September 2011 – The German documentary specialists, united docs are focussing on current affairs programs in Cannes with an emphasis on the public’s growing ecological awareness. One program highlight from this year’s international TV fair is “The Silence of Pandas – What the WWF Isn’t Saying” (52’), a critical analysis of the world’s largest environmental protection organisation, the WWF. The shocking documentary “Gas Flaring – Eco-Vandalism by the Oil Companies” (52’) investigates the question as to why multinational oil companies are burning off valuable natural gas and more importantly why no-one is stopping them. Positive examples of active climate, nature and animal protection are provided by the film “The Gorillas of the Congo – Chainsaws to the Rescue” (52’) and the now in 3D cinema documentary, “Jane’s Journey” (107’), a portrait of the world-famous behavioural researcher, Jane Goodall. In addition, united docs presents the international TV buyers in Cannes with the science documentaries “Back to the Roots – Learning from the Stone Age” (52’) and “Squeeze Me – Robots in Dementia Therapy” (52’) about a revolutionary form of therapy for dementia. In addition to ecological and medical themes, the Cologne-based team also managed to pack 73 fascinating HD travel reportages “Round the World – Travel at its Best” (73x60’) for the trip to Cannes.
When it comes to consumer-related topics with a focus on sustainability, the world looks to Germany. united docs has for years been synonymous with high-quality productions on internationally relevant themes, which stand out through their use of the latest film and narrative techniques. “At MIPCOM 2011 we are devoting our attention primarily to the increasingly important topic of environmental protection. The global and local impact of climate change affects everyone,” explains Anne Hufnagel, Head of united docs Cologne. “Our ecological and scientific documentaries highlight not only the problems but also the solutions, opening the TV viewer's eyes and raising awareness of an environmentally-conscious way of living and thinking.”
Just in time for the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the World Wildlife Fund, the world’s largest environmental protection organisation, united docs presents “The Silence of Pandas – What the WWF Isn’t Saying” (52’). With rousing campaigns, the world’s most influential lobby group for the environment directly targets the conscience of its donors. Everyone should do their part to save endangered species, the climate and/or the rainforest. Documentary filmmaker and Grimme award winner, Wilfried Huismann has taken a look behind the eco façade to find that the organisation is walking a tightrope between commitment and corruption. During filming, the documentary maker uncovered explosive stories from all around the world that will dispel the green image of the WWF and shake the world’s faith in the quality seal of the black and white panda.
The documentary “Gas Flaring – Eco-Vandalism by the Oil Companies” (52’) also brings interesting facts to light. The production of crude oil brings huge quantities of natural gas to the surface, but instead of using this valuable commodity, the oil companies just burn it off. “Gas flaring” saves the oil multinationals a lot of money, but is at the same time destroying huge quantities of a valuable energy source and doing enormous environmental damage in the countries involved, Nigeria and Russia. In Ecuador, on the other hand, a state-run oil company is showing how it is possible to put this natural gas to use as an energy source and protect the climate at the same time.
“The Gorillas of the Congo – Chainsaws to the Rescue” (52’) shows that scientifically sound, sustainable forestry management is possible and that people and the environment can profit equally from it. In the rainforests of the central African Congo basin, the country’s most important employer ensures selective and controlled timber harvests. As a result of criticism from environmental activists, the forestry company has even established sanctuaries for the gorillas and has financed the deployment of wardens to protect them. Studies prove that the number of gorillas in sustainably managed rainforests can actually be kept stable.
The science documentary “Back to the Roots – Learning from the Stone Age” (52’) explores the area of evolutionary medicine, which considers illnesses in the context of the developmental history of mankind. No one wants to return to the “Stone Age” with its harsh living conditions, its risks and its deadly infections. However understanding what our bodies are actually built for is amazingly helpful. The film provides a new view of the human body and demonstrates what one can do to live in a manner that is consciously “species-appropriate”.
