Life after Coal

People change landscapes and upheaval changes people. In the German region of Lusatia, everything has been built on coal for decades - and in the future?

A monstrous tour de force is being attempted in this crisis-ridden region where there seems to be nothing but failed livelihoods and coal. The aim is to become a model region for successful structural change - a model for the whole of Europe. Here, a post-fossil future is to become reality and the promises made to the young generation are to be kept. Germany is leading the way - even faster than expected: by 2030, not only will all active open-cast mines be closed, but the region and its inhabitants will also have a new, forward-looking destiny. However, you have to dare the future! You need courage and hope. But how can that work in a region that has been disappointed time and again? Many promises have been made for a better future - especially here in Lusatia. They have all been broken. Politicians may have forgotten this fact, but the local people have not.