Green City Zurich (GSZ)
explainer film
& public
awareness

In spring 2020, Zurich’s city forests were busier than ever. Joggers, dog walkers and families increasingly used the forest as a recreational space - and with it came growing criticism whenever trees were cut down.

To address these concerns, Green City Zurich wanted to inform the public about the many functions of the city forest and explain why forest management - including the removal of trees - is essential to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Our task was to develop a short film that communicates these complex relationships in a calm, accessible and engaging way.

Approach

In a workshop with the project team of Green City Zurich, we refined the key messages and developed the narrative of the film.

A visit to the forest with the local forester provided valuable insights into the ecosystem, the role of forest management and the careful decisions behind tree removal. These observations shaped the storyline and visual concept of the film.

The result is a calm and atmospheric film that highlights the importance of the city forest as a recreational space, a habitat for plants and animals and an essential part of the urban climate system.