A new documentary titled Hungry premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) on February 2, 2024. Directed by Austrian filmmaker Susanne Brandstaetter, the film presents a compelling narrative set in a future devoid of human life, where an enigmatic Being seeks to uncover the causes of mankind’s extinction. The documentary utilizes audio interviews with scientists and activists, who provide insights on the environmental crises leading to this hypothetical scenario.
The film opens with the provocative question: “In a world without humans, what have we lost?” Through a mix of haunting visuals and the voices of experts, Hungry unfolds as what the IFFR describes as “a documentary poem of great urgency as well as overwhelming beauty.” Rather than traditional interviews, the film relies on audio excerpts, allowing the audience to engage with the material in a fresh way.
Connecting the Dots of Humanity’s Impact
Brandstaetter began researching the themes of Hungry in 2016, initially focusing on the food supplement industry. Her exploration soon expanded to encompass broader issues affecting the environment, health, and the economy. The title Hungry reflects multiple meanings, from food-related concerns to the implications of greed. Brandstaetter emphasizes the importance of connecting these issues, stating, “I wanted it to have more than one meaning,” while also aiming to provoke audiences to reconsider their perceptions of responsibility for environmental degradation.
The film’s sci-fi elements emerged as a storytelling device during its development, particularly influenced by Brandstaetter’s experiences in a remote farmhouse during the pandemic. “I was thinking about what it would be like if there were no other people around,” she noted. This contemplation led to the idea of placing the documentary in a future where human and animal life has largely vanished, leaving only remnants of civilization.
Visual Storytelling and a Call to Action
In creating Hungry, Brandstaetter collaborated with an experienced team, including editor Lisa Zoe Geretschläger and cinematographer Joerg Burger. The visual narrative is crafted from a blend of desolate landscapes and abandoned structures across several countries, including Austria, Germany, Spain, the United States, and Malaysia. Locations were meticulously chosen to illustrate the film’s themes, and extensive research was conducted to ensure authenticity.
The film’s Being serves as both a character and a narrative device, prompting questions about identity and existence. “I wanted the viewer to think about who this Being is,” Brandstaetter explained, ultimately deciding to provide some context to enhance the audience’s understanding.
Despite its dystopian backdrop, Brandstaetter is optimistic about the film’s message. “I want it to be thought-provoking and inspiring,” she said, noting that viewers may initially perceive the film as pessimistic but will find a more positive undertone upon reflection. The director believes that films can drive significant change and hopes that Hungry will encourage viewers to recognize their ability to influence the future.
As Brandstaetter wraps up her work on Hungry, she is already embarking on a new documentary project focusing on youths with migration backgrounds in Vienna. Titled What About Me?, this upcoming film promises to showcase a different perspective from her previous work, further illustrating her diverse interests as a filmmaker.
