Die heilende Sprache der Pferde

Laurie, a terminally ill cancer patient and loving mother of four, is granted the right to legally use magic mushrooms to treat her end of life anxiety. She then embarks on a remarkable journey of personal transformation and healing while exploring lesser known possible cures for cancer, like cannabis oil.

Told in the cinematic tradition of classic westerns, “COWBOYS - A Documentary Portrait” is a feature-length film that gives viewers the opportunity to ride alongside modern working cowboys on some of America's largest and most remote cattle ranches. The movie documents the lives of the men and women working on these "big outfit" ranches - some of which are over one million acres - and still require full crews of horseback mounted workers to tend large herds of cattle. Narrated through first-hand accounts from the cowboys themselves, the story is steeped in authenticity and explores the rewards and hardships of a celebrated but misunderstood way of life, including the challenges that lie ahead for the cowboys critical to providing the world's supply of beef. “COWBOYS” was filmed on eight of the nation’s largest cattle ranches across ten states in the American West.

True dominance in sport is rarely seen. That’s why words like “Dynasty” and “Legend” are seldom used. The sport of show jumping is no exception. To become a legend, a horse must possess many qualities and be matched with the perfect rider. Get this combination right and you have the makings of something special. Over the years Hickstead and Eric Lamaze would win countless competitions and their reputation as champions had them hailed as “best ever”. Then from out of nowhere, tragedy struck. The news of Hickstead’s sudden passing stunned the nation and rocked an entire sport. Taken far too early, the diminutive stallion with the heroic heart will long be remembered. His name conjures up images of packed stadiums, screaming fans and of a fiery little horse impossibly soaring over massive obstacles to yet another victory.

Once one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the country, Griffintown (in the heart of Montreal) is now dotted with vacant lots and uninhabited areas. But just around the bend, at the end of a dirt alley, the sun still rises over the Horse Palace. Leo Leonard, its owner, stands alone, fragile, like the place that embodies his whole life. At 83, Leo, the last representative of the Irish community that founded the neighborhood, must resign himself to leaving the premises.

This documentary follows two long-lost Ukrainian friends, Arsalan and Nastya, as they reconnect in Germany after russia's full-scale invasion against Ukraine. Arsalan, an actor now in Frankfurt after time in a refugee camp, and Nastya, journalist and producer who stayed in Kyiv, reflect on the divergent paths their lives have taken due to the war. Through their conversations and therapy sessions, the film explores themes of displacement, identity, and the emotional impact of war on youth.

{Anne-Marie, rhythmician, art-therapist and organist, is an amazing musician. At the moment where I realized an interview was needed for my ECAL entrance contest, my mind directly thought of her. With years of experience, she tels us about all the memories she has and explains to us the beauty of this endangered profession.}

Produced by the National Film Board of Canada, this heartfelt documentary follows Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte as he returns to the people and places that mark his life, providing a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of this resilient and legendary jockey. Few jockeys have won America's Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. Only three have won in the last 65 years. Ron Turcotte is one of them. In 1973, this legendary rider from New Brunswick, Canada piloted Secretariat, the greatest racehorse of all time, to victory and acclaim in the sport's three most prestigious races. But a fall in 1978 left Turcotte a paraplegic and put an end to an illustrious 16-year career.

An urban horseman battles with his local government as he builds his horse ranch. The passion of horses inspired Brannu to go all in his pursuit of tending and training horses. City and county officials continue to be his roadblock.

Daniel Mulholland, a master-builder uses LEGO to reshape his life after being diagnosed with PTSD. The film highlights the relationship between mental health and a simple act of kindness, showing how something as small as a plastic brick can be life-changing for oneself and others.

Alex works for the Dutch Railways (NS) and suffers from severe PTSD, having witnessed 36 suicides on the railway. Fimme is a former drug addict and struggles with an eating disorder. Both have searched for years for relief from their psychological suffering without success. Now they are turning their hopes to psychedelic therapy. In a vulnerable quest, they are trying to regain control of their lives through this method.

In 1996, John used to proudly ride around on his horse in Ballymun of Dublin. Now, 20 years later, the horse inheritance, that he received from his father, will be given to John's son, Daragh, who will soon be 16 years old.

A group of riders demonstrate equestrian vaulting, or voltige, on the outskirts of Prague.

From F.Z. Maguire catalogue: The background of this picture is the Lick Observatory, Mount Hamilton, Cal. This observatory, the gift of James Lick, of Pennsylvania, was constructed at a cost of $700,000, being equipped with one of the most powerful telescopes that has ever been produced, and is famous the world over. The view of the Observatory is very complete, showing the style of architecture, including the glass covered dome in which are placed the various astronomical instruments. Every Saturday night throughout the year is set apart for visitors to inspect the Observatory and look through the great glass. This view shows a coach load driving up and alighting.

From Edison films catalog: A long line of horses, mules and ponies are led, driven and ridden into the yards, where they are sold and distributed.

A very heavy turret is transported on a truck drawn by a long line of horses. The inscription “Charlemagne 53790K” readable on the turret suggests that this view was shot in the vicinity of Saint-Chamond, a town where there are factories specializing in the construction of heavy steel. It is certainly a turret intended for the battleship “Charlemagne”. In addition, a view projected by the Aléthorama on January 20, 1898 in Saint-Étienne, and entitled “Transportation of the armored turret of Saint-Chamond by a team of 80 horses”, could represent the same event.

An immersive journey into the world of wild horses, Wild Beauty illuminates both the profound beauty, and desperate plight faced by the wild horses in the Western United States. Filmmaker Ashley Avis and crew go on a multi-year expedition to uncover the truth in hopes to protect them, before wild horses disappear forever.

As „wings of men“ they became the faithful companion of a great nomadic nation thousands of years ago. Today, 28 years after the Soviet occupation, the little horse is an essential part of the cultural heritage and the search for identity of the modern Kyrgyz people. Based on its own story, a so called „good brown horse“ leads through the film and offers an insight of what it could mean to be „todays wings of men“. Told by a horse’s voice and through its eyes, this short film still is a documentary, but also a poetic journey to a nomadic culture.

A big day in the Scottish Borders is captured with astonishing clarity in this remarkable film commissioned by the local cinema.

This short documentary offers a humorous look at horse-pulling contests in Ontario and the people who prepare for them. We travel from the farm to the contest, where excitement runs high and the quips do not lack in local colour. Which of these magnificent creatures will be able to pull the heaviest load and win the prize?

This short film focuses on how racehorses are trained.