Habitat
2026 / 15min / experimental documentary / German, English / 16mm / 1.66:1 / 5.1
Set inside Vienna’s House of the Sea, an aquarium zoo occupying a former flak tower of the Nazi regime’s anti aircraft system, Habitat moves through layers of glass, water reflections and haunting soundscapes. Blurring the boundaries between humans and marine animals on display, both become objects of mutual observation, while the bunker’s history of forced labour, war and captivity echoes amid the hundreds of thousands entertained visitors each year. Built by East European and Italian prisoners of war, the conditions under which the tower was erected and the number of deaths during construction still remain largely undocumented. From here, German Youth Forces used to fire on Allied aircraft during bombing raids, while civilians sought shelter inside. Bringing today's zoo into contact with these layers, this film reflects capitalistic spectacle, memory and what is seen today.
with Kristýna Nytrová and Jonathan Garcia Romo
Concept/ Camera/ Montage/ Sound Design: Stefan Koutzev
Camera Assistance: Justus Bomhard
Additional Camera: Bernard Mescherowsky
Colour Grading: Fabiana Cardalda
Sound Mix: Ralf Schippke
link on request