The Green Challenge - City dwellers in species-appropriate housing

Walking barefoot through damp grass, homegrown produce just an arm's length away, and while you breathe in the fresh air, a neighbor waves to you. No hustle and bustle, no appointments, far away from the noise and stench of the big city. This, or something like it, is the romantic idea of ​​rural life. But does it correspond to reality?

Heike and Martin, a couple from Hamburg, are the stars of this comedy short film series, and together they make a radical decision. They're calling it quits. No more city life, no more rushing through everyday life. Instead, the two are moving to a commune in the countryside, with animals and nature. The goal: a better quality of life and an all-around healthy and happy life. How's it going? I asked Annette this question and many others. She is the brainchild of Heike, Martin, and the idea for the project " The Green Challenge - City Dwellers in Species-Appropriate Housing," which Die Stadtgärtner (The City Gardeners) is sponsoring with gifts for crowdfunding supporters.

Some impressions from the shooting of the pitch video:

Interview with Annette

What motivated you to write a short film series on this topic?

The key question that Heike and Martin are trying to answer for themselves is one I've also asked myself. I love my job as an actress, cabaret artist, and author, and I work passionately on my projects. Nevertheless, one day I reached a point where I asked myself whether things could and should continue like this for the next 20 or 30 years. Little time for family and rare appointments with friends, which, due to all the jam-packed schedules, could only be planned via Doodle. Consumerism as a means of combating stress. All of this made me sad, and I began to ask myself: what actually makes me truly happy? How do I want to live? Where do I want to live? That's how the idea for the screenplay came about.

What were the biggest challenges for you in creating "The Green Challenge"?

Writing, inventing stories, acting—all of that came easily to me. I found the whole process challenging, and I had countless questions. How do I communicate my idea and build a network? How does crowdfunding work? How do I create a website? Who is my target audience, and how does marketing actually work? Since this was my first independent project, I wasn't used to the freedom or the responsibility that came with it. But after a while, I overcame the initial difficulties, and now it's a lot of fun. Annette Krossa, the woman behind the green challenge

The all-important question first: Should we all follow Heike and Martin and move to the countryside?

(Laughs) No. Every episode of the short film series plays with this ambivalence. Heike and Martin enthusiastically move into the rural commune. They bring with them the romantic idea of ​​being self-sufficient, organizing their own time, and working only for themselves. Instead of the anonymity of a rented apartment in the big city, they long for community and a better quality of life. Reality quickly catches up with them, however, and Heike and Martin realize that living in a community means having to interact with people. Suddenly, they are confronted with fundamental questions like: Organic supermarket or discount store? Vegan or meat? And do you even have to choose? With "The Green Challenge," we don't want to take a pro-country versus pro-city stance, but rather examine the advantages and disadvantages of both sides. At the heart of the question is the following: Is everything really as it seems?

What do you think each individual can do to increase sustainability?

I personally make sure to buy local and seasonal food and try to avoid plastic packaging as much as possible, both in the kitchen and in the bathroom. While I have to fly occasionally for work, I prefer to travel by train for personal reasons. Changing my clothing consumption was also important to me. I regularly organize swap meets with my friends. This not only saves resources and money, but is also a lot of fun.

Keyword: food ethics. Is this a luxury reserved for high earners?

Yes and no. If you're willing to invest time, carefully select products, and cook, you can eat mindfully even on a budget. Without these prerequisites, it becomes difficult, especially if your lunch break barely lasts longer than 20 minutes.

The dream of a greener world. Do you think this is temporary self-promotion, or is it real?

I don't think it's about self-promotion. Take, for example, the "zero-waste lifestyle," which is currently on everyone's lips and which I myself strongly support. This new trend may seem like a passing fad at the moment, and I don't think it makes much sense to throw away everything you own and then buy everything new, but plastic-free. But it's definitely a step in the right direction. I think it's good that there are always people who radically stand up for a cause because it stirs people's minds and raises questions.

Do you personally know anyone who has made the radical move from the city to the countryside? If so, what's their situation?

I actually know a couple, two boys, who gave up their city life and bought an old house in the countryside, which they are currently renovating. Their goal is to lead an alternative lifestyle and become virtually self-sufficient. They have a greenhouse, various raised beds, their own chickens, rabbits, two dogs, a duck, and soon, goats. Their next big project, however, is the "Kulturstall Eimke" (Eimke Cultural Stable). An old cowshed is currently being converted into a theater and is intended to bring more culture to the small village. The two also regularly provide me with new stories about life in the countryside.

You plan to post "The Green Challenge" on YouTube after it's finished. Are there any further plans regarding the release?

There is actually a consideration to present "The Green Challenge" at the Seriale (IndieSeriesFestivalGiessen).

Annette, thank you very much for the interesting conversation and good luck!