Bavarian Film Award 1989
In closed session, they are negotiating difficult “mineral rights” that are governed under a prior agreement for raw material exploitation. In 1991, the existing moratorium in this agreement will be revised. Then, the race for the treasures of the white continent will begin.
On the12th of February, 1986, after 3 months in the pack ice of the Ross Sea, the Greenpeace decided to break off its first Arctic expedition. The worst winter weather in 15 years forced them to turn back. They want to establish an environmental protection organization in the Antarctic, in close proximity to the gigantic American McMurdo station. They do so to draw the world’s attention to this remote continent and symbolically declare the Antarctic a World Park.
Two years of preparation were suddenly for nothing. Only in the following years would the expedition be possible.
This film follows the expedition into this southern icy sea. A voyage to the earth’s most remote continent to fight the interests of the most powerful countries on earth. A voyage into the past of the “Terra Australis Incognita.” Stories of its discovery. A voyage into the threatened future of the last wilderness.
What is Greenpeace doing in the South Pole?--The Cologne film maker, Axel Engstfeld, in his comprehensive documentary, provides several answers which unmistakably demonstrate to the film audience all the urgent problems and dangers the environmental protection organization has discovered in the Antarctic. In 1988, Engstfeld accompanied a Greenpeace expedition to the southern icy seas. Only on the second attempt were these environmentalists able to get close enough to set up a research station. This will at least allow them to spread a word of warning on the ultimate decisions being made. In 1991, the eighteen nation’s Antarctic Agreement of 1959 will be revised. Afterward, there will be no more exclusive access for scientific research
Engstfeld’s film report is fully researched. This man from Cologne, who has won numerous film awards as described in his “filmography,” follows the historical race and the actual intentions of the countries involved. Even the background concerning the Falklands war is discussed. With several “endlessly long” shots, Engstfeld draws the viewer into the stillness, purity and beauty of the undisturbed landscape.
(Rex)
Antarctica Projekt
Axel Engstfeld’s Film documents a Greenpeace expedition into Antarctica.
Antarctica is one of the last undisturbed regions of the Earth. But appearances are deceiving.
Innumerable scientists have been scurrying around this icy land for a long time to prepare for the planned uses and exploitation of the territory. Eighteen country have signed an agreement that guarantees them alone all power of disposition over Antarctica. Until 1991 a moratorium is in place. Then begins the rush for the raw materials under the permanent ice. Already tough negotiations are taking place where the presumed benefits are being divided.
Axel Engstfeld’s film "Antarctica Project" documents, with fascinating pictures, the environmental protection organization "Greenpeace‘s" expedition to the only unpopulated continent left on earth. "Antarctica Project" – a film between politics and poetry" – shows die beauty und die uniqueness of this region as well as its animal world– und reveals that there are truly other possibilities than the reckless exploitation of this last wilderness our earth has to give.
(kesch)
"Antarctica Projekt"
What is Greenpeace doing in the South Pole?--The Cologne film maker, Axel Engstfeld, in his comprehensive documentary, provides several answers which unmistakably demonstrate to the film audience all the urgent problems and dangers the environmental protection organization has discovered in the Antarctic. In 1988, Engstfeld accompanied a Greenpeace expedition to the southern icy seas. Only on the second attempt were these environmentalists able to get close enough to set up a research station. This will at least allow them to spread a word of warning on the ultimate decisions being made. In 1991, the eighteen nation’s Antarctic Agreement of 1959 will be revised. Afterward, there will be no more exclusive access for scientific research
Engstfeld’s film report is fully researched. This man from Cologne, who has won numerous film awards as described in his “filmography,” describes the historical race and the actual intentions of the countries involved. Even the background on the Falklands war is discussed. With several endlessly long shots, Engstfeld draws the viewer into the stillness, purity and beauty of the undisturbed landscape.
(Rex)
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