Farský rybník
“Green” influencer and filmmaker Prokop Pithart is not afraid to openly criticize the institutions responsible for nature conservation and their flawed approach to protecting the environment. But theorizing online is not enough for him. He decides to restore a leased pond in the heart of the Třeboň Basin to nature and prove to the world that it is possible to manage it sustainably.
Together with his father, a hydrobiologist, other natural scientists and friends, he embarks on a challenging journey, documenting it all in a video diary. But nature plays by its own rules. Moments of revival alternate with minor and major disasters: first, the pond becomes overgrown with cattails, then it nearly dries up. Even the first fish harvest brings little reason for celebration.
Increasingly frustrated, Prokop begins to lose faith in the purpose of his efforts. His refuge becomes filming the surrounding wildlife. Spectacular wildlife footage, captured with the help of fellow filmmakers, helps both him and the audience understand the intricate relationships within the rare and endangered pond ecosystem, protected as part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
A particularly meaningful encounter comes when a family of little ringed plovers nests on the dried-up pond bed and successfully raises its young. Because nature makes use of every situation — even those that may appear to humans as loss or defeat.
Just as Prokop slowly begins to come to terms with reality, water starts flowing into the pond again, almost miraculously. Perhaps thanks to his hard work, perhaps through a combination of circumstances beyond his control. What will happen to the pond next?
Together with his father, a hydrobiologist, other natural scientists and friends, he embarks on a challenging journey, documenting it all in a video diary. But nature plays by its own rules. Moments of revival alternate with minor and major disasters: first, the pond becomes overgrown with cattails, then it nearly dries up. Even the first fish harvest brings little reason for celebration.
Increasingly frustrated, Prokop begins to lose faith in the purpose of his efforts. His refuge becomes filming the surrounding wildlife. Spectacular wildlife footage, captured with the help of fellow filmmakers, helps both him and the audience understand the intricate relationships within the rare and endangered pond ecosystem, protected as part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
A particularly meaningful encounter comes when a family of little ringed plovers nests on the dried-up pond bed and successfully raises its young. Because nature makes use of every situation — even those that may appear to humans as loss or defeat.
Just as Prokop slowly begins to come to terms with reality, water starts flowing into the pond again, almost miraculously. Perhaps thanks to his hard work, perhaps through a combination of circumstances beyond his control. What will happen to the pond next?