Hoffnung für die Pioniere des Wandels

Guest: Filmmaker Michael Mattig-Gerlach
In cooperation with Economy for the Common Good Austria

After the screening, there will be a Q&A with experts and filmmaker Michael Mattig-Gerlach, moderated by Barbara Andraschko.

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Vienna becomes the setting for a cinematic journey toward a more sustainable future. On Sunday, March 22, 2026, the documentary “Hoffnung für die Pioniere des Wandels” (“Hope for the Pioneers of Change”) will celebrate its Vienna premiere at the Filmhaus Spittelberg.

At a time when the current economic system is increasingly reaching its limits, filmmaker Michael Mattig-Gerlach (directed by Peter Jakobeit) asks a fundamental question: What might a system look like that focuses on harmony between people and the environment, rather than on pure profit maximization?

Instead of theoretical debates, the 45-minute film presents pioneering answers drawn directly from real-world practice.

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Ten companies as role models

The documentary portrays ten courageous companies from Baden-Württemberg that already produce reports based on the principles of the Economy for the Common Good. It shows that social and ecological responsibility does not have to contradict economic success.

Among the featured examples are well-known pioneers such as:
•VAUDE – the well-known outdoor brand with a consistent sustainability strategy.
•Nestbau AG – a citizen-owned public limited company committed to socially and ecologically responsible housing.
•ForstBW – the state organization responsible for sustainable forest management.

These companies demonstrate that responsible action beyond traditional profit-driven thinking is not only possible but also sustainable for the future.

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Discussion with Viennese perspectives

The event, organized in cooperation with the Economy for the Common Good, offers much more than just a film screening. After the film, the audience is invited to take part in a discussion that connects the themes of the documentary to the Viennese economy.

The exchange will also include companies in Vienna that already produce common-good balance sheets, as well as initiatives within the Wien Holding, demonstrating that this transformation has already begun locally.

Moderated by Barbara Andraschko, the discussion will feature:
•Michael Mattig-Gerlach (filmmaker)
•Alexandra Radl-Hanzal – Urban Innovation Vienna
•Sebastian Wilken – da-ka Hausbetreuung.