VIENNA FOREST AND THE HABSBURGS

Cinemavixion Review

In 'Vienna Forest and The Habsburgs,' director Susanne Pleisnitzer delves into a critical period of environmental history, recounting the near-destruction of Vienna's vital green lung in the 19th century. The documentary highlights the economic pressures faced by the Habsburg empire under Emperor Franz Joseph I, which led to plans for extensive deforestation and urbanization. The narrative compellingly follows the opposition mounted by activist Josef Schöffel, who, leveraging the newfound freedom of the press, rallied public support against the timber trade's exploitative practices. Despite the era's growing understanding of forests' climatic importance, the allure of quick financial gain nearly led to irreversible damage. Pleisnitzer's film, released in 2022, meticulously reconstructs these events, ultimately celebrating the preservation of this significant natural and cultural heritage.