Das Gewicht der Welt (Film)

Science is supposed to be objective: facts over feelings. But a new generation of scientists is witnessing their research being thrown into disarray by climate change. Instead of discovering the wonders of nature, Maria, a doctor of glaciology, Sebastian, a professor of physical chemistry, and Nana, a molecular biologist, have become chroniclers of a world in decline. But no one is listening to them. What can they do? Instead of retreating in frustration to the ivory tower of their research, Maria, Sebastian, and Nana leave the lab and become activists—because they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.

›Das Gewicht der Welt‹ (the weight of the world) is more than a climate documentary—it is a deeply human portrait of three scientists who realize that their research alone is no longer enough. In times of increasing climate disasters, political paralysis, and social division, the film offers an emotional exploration of one of the central questions of our time: What does it mean to take responsibility?

Director: Florian Heinzen-Ziob
Germany, 2026, Documentary, 94 min., German/English original with German subtitles, FSK 0

[PLEASE NOTE: This film will be shown in its German/English original version with German subtitles only.]

Cinema: Karlstorkino, Marlene-Dietrich-Platz 3, 69126 Heidelberg

Admission:
€9 regular admission
€6.50 reduced admission
€5 for members of the Medienforum Heidelberg

Tickets available online or at the box office.
karlstorkino.de



Film Series: “Climate Change – This Is Fine!?”

What will future generations think of us once we are history? As one of the most pressing global problems of our time, global warming is already having significant impacts and will shape the future even more decisively. The dramatic consequences of environmental degradation are already being felt today, particularly in the Global South (›Invisible Demons‹). Consequential problems such as worsening resource scarcity will force more people to flee and migrate (›Io Capitano‹). This raises far-reaching questions about social responsibility and sustainability.

The series is framed by two documentaries about scientists who reflect on the state of the world (›Who We Were‹) and, in the face of political paralysis and eroding trust in facts, feel compelled to become activists (›Das Gewicht der Welt‹).

On World Children’s Day, the younger generation offers us a more hopeful glimpse into their world: ›Cabinets of Wonder‹—a film by children, for children!