ORF-E
English, German
1 x 45 min, 1 x 52 min

The documentary explores the dual role of wildfires as both destructive and renewing forces in nature. Focusing on the Iberian Peninsula, it highlights the resilience of fire-adapted species in the face of climate change. In Andalusia, the film captures the chaos and survival dynamics of wildlife during fires, showcasing species like the adaptable mongoose and regenerative cork oak. As the landscape recovers, the documentary illustrates the cycle of destruction and renewal, emphasizing how diversity fosters resilience and symbolizes nature’s ability to transform adversity into opportunity. Amidst the searing summer heat of Andalusia, life weaves a precarious web. Predators like the red-footed falcon dive for prey, while scavengers such as mongooses thrive on the remains of animals claimed by drought. However, when flames erupt, chaos ensues. Animals flee, vegetation succumbs, and smoke shrouds the skies. Survival hinges on the type of fire—whether ground, running, crown, or raging inferno—each determining the fate of flora and fauna. While many perish, some species endure. The African-originated mongoose exemplifies adaptive resilience, burrowing deep underground to withstand the flames, as do other creatures like shrews and insects. Similarly, the cork oak, a remarkable European pyrophyte, safeguards life beneath its thick bark, allowing shoots to regenerate post-fire. Yet, slower creatures, including amphibians and mollusks, often fail to escape, leaving behind tragic losses. As the ashes cool, the survivors emerge as architects of renewal. Opportunistic species scavenge, while others begin reconstructing the ecosystem. Ants, beetles, and birds spread seeds, revitalizing the mineral-rich soil. Certain plants, like the Andalusian sundew, even rely on fire’s heat to germinate. Slowly, green shoots pierce the charred landscape, heralding the forest’s rebirth. This cycle of destruction and regeneration presents a profound ecological narrative. The mongoose and cork oak, central protagonists, epitomize the struggle and beauty of adaptation. Contrasting mixed forests with vulnerable monocultures planted during Spain’s Franco regime underlines how diversity fosters resilience. Andalusia’s fiery history offers a lens into the winners, losers, and gradual succession of life after an inferno. Ultimately, the forest, like a phoenix, rises anew, embracing change and diversity—symbolizing nature’s enduring ability to transform adversity into opportunity.