Walter Aigner
Walter Aigner grew up with wool. After studying economics in Vienna, he worked with wool carpets for 25 years. He is the father of three grown-up sons and a self-taught filmmaker. He began work on this documentary in spring 2021, taking on every role except post-production. Without the experienced post-production team, it would never have become a finished film.
Director’s statement
This film grew out of respect: for wool, for sheep, and for the people whose knowledge and work shape our cultural landscapes.
For me, wool has never been just a material. I grew up with it and worked with it for 25 years. I know its beauty, its particular qualities and the work involved at every stage — from the sheep through processing to the finished product. As more and more European wool was being burnt or thrown away, I wanted to understand how such a valuable raw material could lose so much of its significance.
I did not begin this film as a trained filmmaker, but as someone who took a question seriously. The search for answers led me through eleven European countries, meeting shepherds, researchers, designers and wool processors. Each sees a different part of the whole. The picture emerges from their experiences and contradictions.
That is why the film offers no simple set of instructions. A ready-made conclusion would underestimate its audience. I want viewers to look closely, listen, recognise connections and draw their own conclusions. I trust people to think for themselves.
For me, respect also means recognising the value of work. This applies to shepherds, wool processors, craftspeople and researchers just as much as to the filmmaking that brings their stories to light. If we want to preserve sustainability and cultural knowledge, we must also value the people and the work that sustain them.
Special Thanks
To Adrian Martin and his family, his shepherds Gheorghe, Nicolae, Marius and others.
To Nicolae Poplacean and his family, his shepherds Costica and others.
To the Austrian actor Harald Krassnitzer, who told me: “Walter, you must do something with wool!” Without those words, I would never have begun the research or this documentary. His encouragement and help in finishing the film were so important to me.
To the breeders of Valais Blacknose sheep and the Törbel Sheep Show.
To all the shepherds across Europe with whom I had the privilege to film, and whose flocks appear in this documentary.
To all the sheep shearers across Europe who welcomed me and allowed me to document their work.
To everyone who shared their knowledge, their time and their experience with me throughout this journey.
To the wonderful post-production team, who encouraged a novice filmmaker and gave me the strength to continue.