Across European cities, a familiar and disheartening scene unfolds as long-established housing estates are demolished to make way for expensive new developments. A new, deeply moving film by Felix Hergert and Dominik Zietlow turns its lens on one such community under threat: the vibrant Brunaupark estate in Zurich.
A Community Under Threat
The documentary focuses on the Brunaupark complex, a collection of five residential tenements that are home to more than 400 tenants. Over many decades, this area has evolved into a close-knit, multicultural community. However, the future of their homes is in jeopardy. The owner, the pension fund of banking giant Credit Suisse, has served eviction notices to the residents as plans for partial demolition and new construction move forward.
Preserving a Living History
Acting as a crucial piece of oral history, the film goes from door to door, documenting the defiance and resilience of the people determined to stay. The personal stories shared are filled with colourful memories and a profound sense of loss. One restaurant owner, forced to close his establishment within the complex, fondly recalls the diverse array of international regulars he once served.
Other residents have built their entire family lives within Brunaupark. In one particularly touching sequence, a woman looks through old home videos on her laptop. The camera seamlessly moves from images of her son as a young boy to the man he is today, perfectly encapsulating the beautiful history and personal significance this place holds for its inhabitants.
The Slow Erosion of a Neighbourhood
As the redevelopment plans progress, the documentary shows the life being gradually drained from the area. Long-term tenants are replaced by short-term renters, disrupting the social fabric. The film poignantly lingers on scenes of children and teenagers gathering in the communal gardens—a space for games, conversation, and simply passing the time during summer holidays.
With the future of Brunaupark hanging in the balance, it is a sad realisation that these young people stand to lose not just their friendships, but a safe haven they call their own. The film serves as a powerful testament to what is at stake when communities are dismantled for profit.
Brunaupark will be available to watch on True Story from 14 November.
