This film is an adventurous and awe-inspiring exploration of Germany – today, yesterday and in our very distant past. It describes the dramatic evolution of the country from the Carboniferous Period to the present day. From the highest Alpine summits to the rough North Sea coast, from the volcanic craters of the Eifel national park to the labyrinthine rivers of the Spree forest. Back then – around 300 million years ago – metre-high fern forests were abuzz with gigantic dragonflies. In the course of geological history, however, we also encounter dying dinosaurs, rhinoceros and elephants on the Rhine and in Heidelberg probably the first ever German – the Homo heidelbergensis.
The Neanderthals later appeared on the scene, suddenly vanishing not long after – for reasons that are still not known today. Eventually, modern man took over and began to shape his environment.
WRITER AND DIRECTOR: Stefan Schneider CAMERA: Martin Christ, Adnane Korchyou, Josias van Zyl, Dieter Stürmer EDITOR: Josef van Ooyen, Marie Wilbers, Robert Strauß MUSIC: Markus Lehmann-Horn COMMISSIONING EDITOR: Gabriele Conze (WDR), Ralf Quibeldey (NDR)
