Earth

In seven locations in North America and Europe, we observe miners, engineers and foremen at work. They enjoy it--who wouldn't like operating one of those massive excavators? Nevertheless, there's a feeling of unease. Sometimes a fossilized tree turns up and is saved for a museum--if the bulldozer hasn't already smashed it, that is. When asked, the workers are well aware of the consequences for nature, climate and safety. But it's work, and there's a demand for faster transport links, new houses and stone floors.

In closely observed, panoramic shots of plowing, hacking and roaring excavators, and in conversations with the people who operate them, the film ponders the question of how much earth has to make room for our resource driven lifestyles.

Berlin International Film Festival winner.