Behind the imposing walls of the Natural History Museum in Vienna lies a world that few get to see. While visitors stroll through the magnificent exhibition halls, scientists work in the background to preserve millions of exhibits. Taxidermists attach delicate butterflies to chipboard, beetles are carefully archived, and a stuffed giraffe is maneuvered through narrow corridors. Every artifact tells a story, every detail contributes to the preservation of our knowledge. With calm powers of observation, Joerg Burger immerses himself in this fascinating world. ARCHIVE OF THE FUTURE is a precisely composed documentary that captures the quiet dedication of the researchers as well as the aesthetic beauty of a centuries-old archive. It is not only about preserving the past, but also about how this knowledge will be secured for future generations. The film celebrated its premiere at the Diagonale 2023 and was shown in the program of DOK.fest Munich. Critics praised the atmospheric visual language and the extraordinary perspective on a museum that is much more than an exhibition – it is a living archive of our future.
A cinematic homage to the importance of science and an insightful reflection on life on Earth – and beyond.
Behind the imposing walls of the Natural History Museum in Vienna lies a world that few get to see. While visitors stroll through the magnificent exhibition halls, scientists work in the background to preserve millions of exhibits. Taxidermists attach delicate butterflies to chipboard, beetles are carefully archived, and a stuffed giraffe is maneuvered through narrow corridors. Every artifact tells a story, every detail contributes to the preservation of our knowledge.
With calm powers of observation, Joerg Burger immerses himself in this fascinating world. ARCHIVE OF THE FUTURE is a precisely composed documentary that captures the quiet dedication of the researchers as well as the aesthetic beauty of a centuries-old archive. It is not only about preserving the past, but also about how this knowledge will be secured for future generations.
The film celebrated its premiere at the Diagonale 2023 and was shown in the program of DOK.fest Munich. Critics praised the atmospheric visual language and the extraordinary perspective on a museum that is much more than an exhibition – it is a living archive of our future.