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Deep Dive: The Ister (2014)

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The Ister
The Ister is a documentary that connects the philosophical ideas of Martin Heidegger with the physical journey along the Danube River. It is based on Heidegger's 1942 lecture course, Hölderlins Hymne 'Der Ister', which discusses Friedrich Hölderlin's poem about the river. The film travels nearly 2,000 miles from the Danube Delta in Romania to its source in the Black Forest of southern Germany, featuring interviews with various philosophers and experts along the way. Throughout the film, themes such as time, poetry, technology, and politics are examined through the lens of the river's journey. Notable locations include the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp in Austria, the Walhalla temple near Regensburg, and the birthplace of Heidegger in Meßkirch. The film also incorporates classical music pieces, enhancing the philosophical discussions and the visual representation of the river's landscape.

Why Watch

  • •Meet philosophers like Bernard Stiegler and Jean-Luc Nancy
  • •See the Danube from its delta to the Black Forest
  • •Find out about Heidegger's influence on modern thought

Did You Know

•The film premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam on January 23, 2004.
•The Ister won the Prix du Groupement National des Cinémas de Recherche in August 2004.
•The film features interviews with philosophers like Bernard Stiegler and Jean-Luc Nancy.
•The film travels through notable locations like the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp and the tomb of Agnes Bernauer.

Perfect For

Philosophy enthusiastsFans of German literatureHistory buffs