Synopsis

"Batak Haus: A Living Museum of Modern Mission" is a documentary that explores the story behind a unique museum in Werpeloh, Germany. The museum is modelled on the pile dwellings of the Batak, an Indonesian tribe on the island of Sumatra and was initiated and built by Pater Matthäus Bergmann, a Capuchin priest who dreamed of modern mission work despite health limitations. Through the support of the Werpeloh community and guests of honour from Emsland and Sumatra, Pater Matthäus built the Batak Haus as a way to bring his dream to life. Today, the museum continues to be a relevant and impactful symbol of modern mission work, promoting understanding and unity through its teachings of different cultures, religions, and ways of life. The film concludes with the current caretaker of the Batak Haus visiting Tanah Batak for the first time and witnessing the culture and people that inspired thea museum, further emphasizing the timeless nature of the mission behind the Batak Haus.

Visual Storytelling Concept: The film takes inspiration from the German Heimatfilm genre, featuring stunning landscapes, intimate moments and heart-warming interactions to tell the story of the Batak Haus and its impact on the Werpeloh community and beyond. The use of nostalgic imagery and music emphasizes the connection between the people, culture and the museum.

Act I: The Dream and the Build

• Introduction of Pater Matthäus Bergmann, the Capuchin priest who initiated and built the Batak Haus museum as a way to continue his mission work despite health limitations.

• Pater Matthäus' dream of modern mission work and his connection to the Batak tribe through his brother and the Capuchin Mission Procuration.

• The inspiration behind building the Batak Haus museum as a way to bring his dream to life.

• The construction and design of the Batak Haus with the participation of the Werpeloh community and guests of honour from Emsland and Sumatra.

• The enthusiasm, optimism, and creativity that surrounded the project, inspiring the people of Werpeloh to get involved.

Act II: The Museum Today

• The continued relevance and impact of the Batak Haus as a living museum of modern mission work.

• The role of the museum in teaching about different cultures, religions, and ways of life, promoting respectful and friendly interaction with each other.

Act III: The Journey to Tanah Batak

• The current caretaker of the Batak Haus visits the homeland of the Batak tribe for the first time.

• The experience of seeing the pile dwellings, culture, and people that inspired the museum in Werpeloh.

• The timeless nature of the mission behind the Batak Haus and its importance in promoting understanding and unity in today's world.

• The legacy of Pater Matthäus and the Batak Haus as a shining example of modern mission work.