Davos

Every year at the end of January, the World Economic Forum takes place in Davos, Switzerland, where heads of state and CEOs meet to, in their own words, improve the state of the world. This observational documentary portrays the town itself – a prestigious spa for more than a century – and mirrors its inhabitants against the international parade of the rich and powerful who fill up their hotels and conference centres each year.

A farmer and his wife look on helplessly as their children are unable to take over the farm. In a town hall meeting, the locals express doubts about continuing to host the WEF, as security costs the townspeople a fortune. Demonstrators prepare their protests. Without giving any commentary, the film highlights the contrast between a global elite who see the entire world as their home base and the local population who barely leave the town. Can a balance not be struck between these extremes? Daniel Hoesl, one of the co-directors, won a Tiger Award in 2013 for Soldate Jeannette.