For good reason, people always speak of "animal films" rather than "plant films". This is because the humans come from the animal kingdom, and animals usually move and exhibit behavior that is perceptibly emotional, so the fauna has always been the focus of people's observations. Plants, on the other hand, are apparently static living beings and therefore motifs that require special camera techniques. Usually, time-lapse is used, and occasionally slow motion is used to make the movement of plants visible. Where neither can be used, the moving camera remains to bring the immovable subject to life on the screen. Using a series of film examples, this lecture illustrates how the viewer's gaze is directed to the important role of flora in the natural environment. The understanding grows that in nature, there is not only constant competition, but also an uninterrupted cooperation, overarching between the animal and plant kingdoms.
Jan Haft is a German documentary filmmaker whose animal and nature films have won many awards.
