Othmar Schmiderer's new documentary, 'Elements of(f) Balance,' premiering at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) in February 2026, embarks on a global quest to discover individuals who have forged a harmonious relationship with the natural world. This film aims to challenge humanity's prevalent self-centered view and inspire a more collaborative existence with the environment. Through diverse examples, from traditional agricultural techniques to advanced AI applications in farming, the documentary offers a positive outlook on our planet's future, steering clear of bleak, apocalyptic predictions.
Rotterdam Film Festival Spotlights 'Elements of(f) Balance'
At the 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), commencing February 1, 2026, director Othmar Schmiderer, a veteran filmmaker with over four decades of experience, will present his latest work, 'Elements of(f) Balance.' Co-written with Stephan Settele and featuring cinematography by Siri Klug and editing by Arthur Summereder, the documentary takes audiences to rarely seen ecosystems across the globe. Schmiderer's extensive search for alternative, non-exploitative ways of living resulted in a film that emphasizes a renewed consciousness and practical opportunities arising from humanity's interconnectedness with nature, rather than focusing on grim future scenarios.
International sales for 'Elements of(f) Balance' are managed by Filmdelights. The film highlights humanity's critical juncture regarding its ecological footprint, underscoring the urgent need to integrate human existence within nature, rather than dominating it. Schmiderer critiques the 'collective human narcissism' that prioritizes ventures like Mars colonization over terrestrial environmental preservation. Despite this, he maintains an optimistic stance, believing in our capacity for change and emphasizing humans as an integral part of nature. The film seeks to inspire confidence and symbiotic coexistence.
The documentary's message resonates with the idea that nature itself offers blueprints for collaboration. Schmiderer's five-year journey spanned various continents, including Eastern Europe, Bangladesh, and China, reflecting a global perspective essential for understanding climate change. He was particularly impressed by China's rapid advancements in sustainability, noting its massive desert reforestation efforts and leadership in solar energy, which surpasses the rest of the world combined, despite its high pollutant emissions. Filming in China involved extensive preparation and adherence to strict regulations.
The documentary showcases a blend of ancient wisdom and modern technology, from permaculture in the Austrian Alps and floating farms in Bangladesh to AI-driven agricultural research at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. These examples demonstrate solutions for climate change and biodiversity preservation. Schmiderer employed a poetic and intuitive cinematic style, allowing visuals and sounds to convey the interconnectedness of all elements. The film's immersive sound design by Andreas Hamza and music by electronic artist Christian Fennesz contribute to its meditative quality, inviting viewers to explore new possibilities and discover rays of hope.
Schmiderer's observations, such as the resilience of jellyfish over millions of years and the potential of fungal research in architecture and sustainable fashion, serve as profound metaphors for adaptability and inherent natural wisdom. Ultimately, 'Elements of(f) Balance' encourages a fundamental shift in human perception, urging a transformation from viewing nature as an external entity to embracing a shared 'we-world' among all species.
The documentary 'Elements of(f) Balance' encourages a profound reevaluation of our place in the world. It’s a compelling call to action, subtly reminding us that true sustainability stems not from technological superiority, but from recognizing and nurturing our inherent connection with the environment. It fosters hope by presenting tangible solutions and a path forward, urging viewers to move beyond a self-serving narrative toward a more integrated, interdependent future.