Buddhist Monks, Bark Beetles and Rebirth: Zeitenwende in the forest

Описание: The film is part of the awareness-raising campaign Zeitenwende, initiated by Manfred Hören in collaboration with the forestry departments of the state and the city.
The forest, which had developed over the course of two human generations, is dead—destroyed by bark beetle infestation and prolonged drought. In an effort to prevent the beetles from spreading further, the forestry office felled the trees. Yet the attempt proved futile. In the background remain the skeletal remains of trees that were meant to be saved. Upon them, the word “Zeitenwende” appears as a stark and cautionary sign.
Through this setting, the massive consequences of climate change are made tangible for visitors. They are no longer perceived as an abstract phenomenon occurring “somewhere else,” but become immediate, visible, and real.
With Buddhist prayer flags from Swayambhunath and chanting rituals, a shift in perception is initiated—linking the present condition of the forest to much longer cycles of decay, transformation, and rebirth.
Rooted in awareness, intergenerational responsibility, and deep respect for Mother Earth, the ritual transforms the site into a space of reflection. The film enters into dialogue with the event series “wald.anders.denken,” organized by the Regional Forestry Office Rhein-Sieg-Erft together with the European Forest Institute (EFI) and the LIFE+ project “Villewälder,” within the framework of Bonn’s designation as European Forest City.
Here, the forest emerges as a living participant—revealing both the reality of forest decline and the essential role forests play for the planet and for human well-being. Past, present, and future converge in a shared commitment to honor, use, and protect the forest as a sacred legacy for generations to come.