DOKUMENTARIES
"NATURERBE ÖSTERREICH - DIE NATIONALPARKS"
VON DEN ANFÄNGEN
ein Film von Heinz Leger
Vom sturmumtosten Gipfel des Großglockners im größten und ältesten Nationalpark Hohe Tauern im Westen, zum Nationalpark Donau-Auen mit einer der größten weitgehend intakten Auenlandschaften Mitteleuropas im Osten. Dazwischen die imposanten Felsformationen des Nationalparks Gesäuse, gleich in unmittelbarer Nachbarschaft der tiefen Wälder des Nationalparks Kalkalpen. Von den sonnenverbrannten Salzlacken des Nationalparks Neusiedler See-Seewinkel, zum kleinsten Nationalpark im pittoresken Thayatal, die beide jenseits der Staatsgrenze ihre Fortsetzung finden. Die sechs Nationalparks Österreichs haben sich zum Ziel gesetzt das vielfältige Naturerbe des Landes zu bewahren und sich den Herausforderungen der Zukunft zu stellen.
53 min. High Definition, Stereo, produced by INTERSPOT Film Ges.m.b.H.
"NATURERBE ÖSTERREICH - DIE NATIONALPARKS"
DIE HERAUSFORDERUNGEN
ein Film von Heinz Leger
Auf ungefähr drei Prozent der Fläche Österreichs darf sich die Natur heute ohne Einfluss des Menschen entwickeln. Die Tier- und Pflanzenarten, die hier vorkommen, sind unser Natur-Erbe, das es zu erhalten gilt. Diese Artenvielfalt ist bestens an den Wandel der Zeit angepasst, doch in den Zeiten dramatischer Veränderungen durch den Klimawandel bedarf es des Erhalts dieser natürlichen Ressourcen, denn vielfältige Lebensräume sind deutlich stabiler. So unterschiedlich diese Schutzgebiete in ihrer Entstehung und ihrem Wesen nach auch sind, so haben sie doch alle mit denselben Phänomenen zu kämpfen: Dem Klimawandel, zu viel, oder zu wenig Wasser und invasiven Arten, die heimische Pflanzen und Tiere verdrängen.
53 min. High Definition, Stereo, produced by INTERSPOT Film Ges.m.b.H.
"ZEPPELIN-SKIING"
MIT DEM LUFTSCHIFF IN DIE BERGE
Idee: Stefan Ager, Andreas Gumpenberger
ein Film von Heinz Leger
Es ist wohl eine der verrücktesten Ideen: mit dem Zeppelin in die Berge, dann vom Luftschiff, das größer als ein Airbus A 380 ist abseilen, um sich dann in eine unbekannte Abfahrfahrt zu stürzen. Bei diesem waghalsigen Unternehmen ist nicht nur das Können der beiden Skifahrer Stefan Ager und Fabian Lentsch und des Snowboardes Anderas Gumpenbergers gefragt, sondern auch das der Piloten die den Zeppelin an die Grenzen seiner Leistungsfähigkeit bringen.
47 min. High Definition, Stereo, produced by Lensecape Productions
"DER ARLBERG - IM LAND DER GEGENSÄTZE"
ein Film von Heinz Leger
Der Arlberg ist der Inbegriff des Wintertourismus. Doch das Grenzgebiet von Vorarlberg und Tirol ist viel mehr! Seit rund 100 Jahren touristisch genutzt, gibt es in diesen Bergen noch immer Neues zu entdecken. Im Winter sind weite Teile des Gebietes für Menschen unzugänglich, doch im Sommer gehören die Kletterrouten und Mountainbike Trails den Sportenthusiasten und die Wanderwege Erholungssuchenden.
Die großen Weiten der Alpen sind jedoch Rückzugsgebiet von Alpenflora und -fauna. Hier scheint es doch noch so etwas wie eine friedliche Koexistenz von menschlich genutztem Raum und unberührter Natur zu geben. Ob sportlich, oder kulturinteressiert, der Arlberg ist auch im Sommer eine Reise wert.
48 min. UHD, 16:9, Stereo produced by FilmEleven for SERVUS TV
"BRIXENTAL - DAS HERZ DER KITZBÜHELER ALPEN"
ein Film von Heinz Leger
Es könnte kaum einen größeren Unterschied geben: Auf der einen Seite der Hahnenkamm mit der Streif, dem gefährlichsten und vielleicht auch lautesten Skirennen der Welt – und gleich daneben das Brixental, in dem sich die Kitzbüheler Alpen von ihrer sanften, beschaulichen Seite zeigen.
Berge, die zum Skitouren gehen, Mountainbiken, Wandern und zum Blick aus der Vogelperspektive einladen. Bergwelten entführt in ein Land, das sportliche Aktivität und Genuss zu verbinden weiß. Ob Sommer, oder Winter, das Brixental in Tirol lädt zu sportlichen Aktivitäten ein.
48 min. UHD, 16:9, Stereo produced by FilmEleven for SERVUS TV
"CHAMPIONS VS LEGENDS"
directed by
Heinz Leger
"Five ultimate challenges: modern superstars versus legendary champions this is "CHAMPIONS VS EGENDS". Austrian rising star Manuel Feller vs the top skier of the 1980s and 1990s Marc Girardelli, and Canadian tough guy hockey star Shea Weber challenging the legendary Bobby Hull and the fastest slapshot in the NHL - is just the start.
Overseen by our renowned sports science expert Steve Haake we try to find out if the modern record holder would compete the legendary champion who would win this challenge? Therefore we have to provide the modern sport stars with ancient equipment and they have to deal with old sports gear and have to use old techniques to master the challenge."
The competitors:
Alpine skiing: Manuel Feller vs Marc Girardelli
Sit-ski: Anna Schaffelhuber
Hockey: Shea Weber
Speedskating: Christine Nesbitt
Bobsled: Maximilian Arndt
50 min. High Definition, 16:9, Stereo produced by KENSINGTON, berlin producers and preTV
"BRAHMAPUTRA - SKY RIVER OF THE HIMALAYAS"
EPISODE III written and directed by Heinz Leger
Some things on our planet may be too small to notice –
and some are simply too big to grasp.
The Brahmaputra is among the latter -- a river system of global superlatives. Yet, paradoxically, it is practically unknown.
Its source near Mount Kailash, Asia's most sacred mountain among the world's highest peaks, remained undiscovered until the turn of the 20th century. Even then, its upper and lower reaches were thought to be different rivers. The Brahmaputra descends from the planet's "Third Pole" - the Roof of the World. It flows around the Himalayas and finally -- as a giant conveyor belt of sediment -- pushes South Asia's coastline further and further out into the Indian Ocean. It begins as the world's highest major river. It thunders through the planet's biggest gorge, rivalling the Grand Canyon. Uniting with the Ganges, it eventually forms the earth's vastest coastal delta.
3 x 52 min. Ultra HD, 16:9, Dolby 5.1, produced by pretv and dreiD.at
"DER RÄTIKON - GEBIRGE AN DER GRENZE"
a film by Heinz Leger and Hannes Mair
Früher Schmuggelsteig für Schwärzer, ist der Rätikon heute die Arena für Ausnahmekönner des alpinen Klettersports geworden. Mit der „Kampfzone“, einer unglaublich schwierigen Felsformation stellt sich der Spitzenkletterer Beat Kammerlander, wie er sagt, seiner letzten großen Herausforderung. Gleich daneben versuchen sich Nina Caprez und Barbara Zangerl an einer Route, die 1991 von Beat Kammerlander eingerichtet hat und die schwerste Klettertour ihrer Zeit galt.
Die Dokumentation „Der Rätikon – Gebirge an der Grenze“ von Heinz Leger und Hannes Mair verspricht spektakuläre Bilder von zwei Kletterevents und noch viel mehr. Sie erzählte von den „Fliegenden Drachen“ mit ihren Gleitschirmen, von Schäfern die im Prättigau mit mehr als tausend Schafen über die Alpe ziehen, von Maisäss und Polmanudla und vom Wettstreit zwischen Schmugglern und Zöllnern. In faszinierenden Bildern ist so ein intimes Portrait einer einmaligen Landschaft im Dreiländer-Eck entstanden.
48 min. High Definition, 16:9, Stereo produced by alpsolut for SERVUS TV
"1936 THE NAZI GAMES"
written and directed by Christoph Weber
reenactment
Heinz Leger
"The Nazi Games" tells the story of the Olympic Games in 1936 from a new perspective based on documents made accessible to the scientific community just recently. The film shows how close the Olympic Idea and Nazi ideology at this time was. It also reveals the struggle of a young Austrian swimmer, Judith Deutsch, a Jewish freestyle specialist and aspirant for a medal who rejected her nomination because of the political situation in Berlin.
50 min. High Definition, 16:9, Stereo produced by pretv and taglicht media
"THE TRIGLAV – A MOUNTAIN LIKE A KINGDOM"
written and directed by Heinz Leger
“The Triglav is not a mountain, Triglav is a kingdom.” This expression of ultimate respect by Julius Kugy mountaineer, humanist and writer reflects the uniqueness of Slovenia’s highest mountain. The north face is a monster: more than 1,500 meters of sheer rock. In one of the highest north faces of the Eastern Alps the two renowned alpinists Marko Prezelj and Hanspeter Eisendle have picked a challenging route on the Sphinx – a rock formation on the very top of this breathtaking face. From the very top they have an unlimited view on this hotspot of biodiversity full of fascinating wildlife and meadows exploding in colors.
48 min. High Definition, 16:9, Stereo produced by pretv for SERVUS TV
"MORE THAN JUST ENEMIES"
written by Martin Betz, directed by Heinz Leger
This is the story of two Empires, as well as of two outstanding characters: On one side Prince Eugene of Savoy and the Habsburg Empire and on the other side Gülnüs concubine in the Harem of Sultan Mehmet IV. We follow the rise of Prince Eugene, for an emotionally neglected childhood at the court of Louis XIV, to huge success as a respected and feared leader, and the wealthiest man of his time; and finally to his lonely decline. Our protagonist on the Ottoman side is Gülnüs, abducted from Crete, she became mother of two Sultans and had enormous influence over the political and cultural fortunes of the Ottoman Empire.
This documentary shows two civilizations at their height waging war at each other as well as inspiring and exchanging masterpieces of art and music. “More than Just Enemies”
Year of production: 2013 - 2014
2 x 52 min. High Definition, 16:9, Dolby 5.1 produced by pretv
for ORF and arte
"HERMANN MAIER: MEINE HEIMAT, DER DACHSTEIN"
a film by Heinz Leger
Step by step, awkwardly watched by a group of wary chamois, two ski tourer push their way through the deep snow. Hermann Maier and Chris Walzer, a renowned vet, specialised on alpine wildlife, are en route to the top of the Dachstein. Having raced through the endless vastness of Antarctica in “Race to the South Pole”, Hermann is now exploring the land where he has his origins – the Alps. Here the wilderness around the Dachstein, Styria’s highest peak, lies like an island in a sea of long tamed nature. In this land of beauty Hermann meets people who protect its wildlife and who have learned to live under the harsh conditions of the high mountain ranges.
Year of production: 2014
45 min. High Definition, 16:9, Stereo, produced by Interspot Film for: ORF
"HERMANN MAIER: MEINE HEIMAT, DIE HOHEN TAUERN"
a film by Heinz Leger
Clouds fluffy as cotton candy, dark blue sky and two mountaineers on Austria’s highest peak – Hermann Maier and his guide – this is one of the most impressive shots of this UNIVERSUM-series. Having raced through the endless vastness of Antarctica in “Race to the South Pole”, Hermann is now en route to explore the land where he has his origins, the Alps. Here the national park Hohe Tauern lies like an island of wilderness in a sea of long tamed nature. In this land of beauty Hermann meets people who protect this precious natural gem and who have learned to live under the harsh conditions of the high mountain ranges.
Year of production: 2013
45 min. High Definition, 16:9, Stereo, produced by Interspot Film
for:
ORF
"THE SHERPAS' QUEST"
a film by Heinz Leger
 
Sherpas are the real heroes of high altitude mountaineering. To the early explorers of the Himalayan region they were immeasurably valuable. Without their skills as guides, their hardiness and endurance as porters even the most modern mountain expeditions would not have been possible.
But to this day the achievements of the Sherpas have not found their way into the alpine history books. The blue-chip documentary “The Sherpas' Quest” shows where these people come from and reveals the real importance of the Sherpas for the international climbing and mountaineering community.
Year of production: 2011
53 min. High Definition, 16:9, Dolby 5.1, produced by pretv
for:
Terra Mater Factual Studios, Servus TV, BBC
"RACE TO THE SOUTHPOLE - AUSTRIA vs. GERMANY"
a film by Heinz Leger and Oliver Halmburger
Antarctica is the highest, driest and coldest continent on earth. In this harsh environment two teams take on the challenge to race to the southern most point of our planet. The Austrian team is led by Olympic gold medallist Hermann Maier and the radio presenter Tom Walek. Making up the Austrian team are Sabrina Grillitsch, Austria’s first and only female Special Forces soldier and Alexander Serdjukov, a Husky racing champion.
Their German opposition is headed by TV presenter Markus Lanz and ultra marathon runner Joey Kelly. After a week of acclimatisation on the edge of the continent, they set off on a 400 km race towards the South Pole. Heading out into the polar wilderness on skies, pulling all they need to survive behind them.
Year of production: 2010 - 2011
5 x 45 min. High Definition, 16:9, produced by Loop-Film and Interspot Fim
for:
ORF and ZDF
"ARLBERG - THE HIDDEN PARADISE"
written and directed by Heinz Leger
The Arlberg is the embodiment of an idyllic winter and the cradle of alpine skiing. However, this famous ski resort that connects Tyrol and Vorarlberg, offers a lot more than expected. When the winter loosens its icy grip to give way to spring, the mountain slopes explode into bright colours of orchid meadows. The Arlberg has an astonishing past. Today the former seabed is home to deer, fox and marmot. These cute rodents sprawl sluggishly in the morning sun, but the calm is deceiving, because this is the realm of only one sovereign ruler: the Golden Eagle. |
Year of production: 2010 - 2011
52 min. XD-CAM, High Definition, 16:9, Dolby 5.1, produced by EPO-Film for: ORF, BR, Cine-Tirol, Land Vorarlberg
"MOUNT ST. HELENS - LIFE FROM ZERO"
written and directed by Jörg D. Hissen and Heinz Leger
On May 18th, 1980, one of the greatest natural disasters of our time hit the north-western United States. When Mount St. Helens exploded, millions of tons of molten or red-hot rock were hurled into the sky. A devastating wave of hot gases rolled across the woodland, wiping out everything alive. Within seconds, a lush wooded mountain landscape was turned into a barren desert as lifeless as Mars.
Will nature ever recover from this deadly blow? If so, how will life return? How long will it take?
In the aftermath of the eruption, 22-year-old biology student Charlie Crisafulli first came to this area. Over night the mountain had become a vast natural laboratory.
He has spent much of his life studying the area. For three decades, he and his fellow scientists have worked to answer these questions.
They have witnessed nature's astonishing comeback to Mount St. Helens - a story of life from zero. |
Year of production: 2008 - 2010
52 min. High Definition, 16:9, Dolby 5.1, produced by Interspot-Film for: ORF, WGBH-Boston, arte, Fremantle
"WILD MONGOLIA"
written and directed by Heinz Leger
Scorching sun for one half of the year.
For the other, biting frost.
Mongolia is a land of extremes. With such a hostile
climate, its wealth of wildlife comes as a surprise.
Over time, humans and animals have learned to cope
with harsh conditions. This is a land where life and
death are close together. Both hunters and their prey
have found astonishing survival strategies. Fascinating
wildlife inhabiting a hostile environment and breath-taking
sceneries - this is Wild Mongolia.
Year of production: 2006
50 min. HDTV, 16:9 stereo, produced by Interspot Film
for:
ORF, CANAL +, WDR, NDR
"GENGHIS
KHAN - RIDER OF THE APOCALYPSE"
written and directed by Heinz Leger
The infamous Genghis Khan was born some
850 years ago and came to rule the largest empire in
the history of the world. In so doing, he changed the
course of history as no one before or since. Let's find
out how this world-changing figure emerged in this opulent
film with a cast of hundreds of actors. Lavish scenes
bring to life the lost world of history's most powerful
and feared warlord.
Year of production: 2004
55 min. HDTV, 16:9, dolby 5.1, produced by Interspot
Film for:
ORF, BBC, DDE, ZDF, CANAL +
"SO LONG FU LONG!"
written and directed by Heinz Leger
| His departure has been hyped in Austrian media for days, |
when Fu Long the 2-year-old panda who charmed his way into the hearts of Austrians is headed to China.
Heinz Leger and his team accompanied the panda baby throughout the first moments of its young life until his departure from Vienna Airport. The panda, which was the first in Europe to be conceived naturally, must return to China under a zoo agreement made in 1984. Fu Long’s parents were sent to Vienna in 2003 as part of a loan programme that states that any offspring must return to China in their second year. |
Year of production: 2009
43 min. XD-CAM, 16:9 stereo, produced for: ORF
"FU LONG - LITTLE PANDA, HAPPY DRAGON"
written and directed by Heinz Leger
| Entire Austria was buzzing with excitement as for the first time ever in the history of European zoos a panda baby was born naturally and in good health. |
Heinz Leger and his team accompanied the panda baby throughout the first moments of its young life. Witness Fu Long’s clumsy attempts at walking, playing around in the adjoining garden and canoodling with his mother Yang Yang. This documentary offers not only sensational exclusive shots of the newly born baby in its birth box, being taken care of by its mother and the little panda’s visits to the veterinarian to assure healthy development but also tries to uncover the secret life of one of the most endangered species in the world. Fu Long is growing fast and getting cuter and lovelier every day. Have a look and join the “panda-mania” that crossed Austria’s borders spreading into whole Europe in no time. |
Year of production: 2007/2008
50 min. XD-CAM, 16:9 stereo, produced for: ORF
"PANDABABY!"
written and directed by Heinz Leger
It's pink, almost hairless, blind and
tiny, but a real sensation. In the small hours of
Thursday, the 23th of August, a baby panda was born
in the Schönbrunn-Zoo in Vienna. The whimpering
baby, not bigger than 10 centimetres, is the fist
offspring of Great Pandas in Europe, that was fathered
the natural way. This documentary shows the first
pictures of the newborn baby and tells the story how
it’s relatives in China are brought up.
Year of production: 2007
43 min. Digi-Beta, 16:9 stereo, produced for: ORF
"THE
FUTURE OF ..."
written and directed by Heinz Leger
This 12
part series tells the story of endangered species
whom we all know from childhood visits to zoos and
whom we have all come to love last not least due to
television.
The series shows why it is above all tigers or gorillas
who were brought to the brink of extinction and to
what length the international scientific community
goes to ensure their survival. Presented by Helmut
Pechlaner the former director of the oldest zoo in
the world.
Years of production: 1999 - 2004
12 x 43 min. Digi-Beta, 16:9 stereo, produced by Interspot
Film for: ORF
"THE
VALLEY AT THE BORDER"
written and directed by Heinz Leger
For 38 years the river Thaya was
not the only border between Austria and Czechoslovakia
like a great gulf the Iron Curtain divided the valley
into east and west. Almost daily there were alarm
signals at the border ...
Year of production: 1999
50 min. Digi-Beta, 16:9 stereo, produced by Lotus
Film for: ORF
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