In Memoriam
Bernhard Hausberger
He swept through our lives like a storm: powerful, determined, magnificent.
His elemental energy electrified those close by. Sure of his talent and
technique, he blazed through life on a journey as spectacular as Tyrolean
thunder and lighting. Yet at the eye of that hurricane was a man as soft
and sentimental as a spring breeze, charming as a summer shower.
That force of nature was Bernhard Hausberger (9th January 1955 - 11th
April 2009.) Five years ago life-threatening illness scarcely dented his
lust for life. He turned his lung cancer into a heart-rending, hope-giving,
award-winning film: A Rather Different Year.
It was one of 66 competition films, some cooperating with other moviemakers,
with which he took top prizes in 171 festivals; won more than 660 gold, silver,
bronze or special awards; and brought back countless diplomas to his home
in the Austrian Tyrol.
Driven with self-confidence backed by ability, he relished challenge and
had little time for bureaucracy. His Video Club Zillertal rather than VÖFA
(the national federation) hosted UNICA when it came to Austria. Later a row
about A Rather Different Year at the national competition brought
his simmering discontent with VÖFA to a head. He used Lichtenstein
connections to send some of his films to UNICA from there.
In the end it was a cold which stopped the storm
Late in 2008 a tumour appeared in his remaining lung. Aggressive chemotherapy
countered it, but left his immune system frail. A Tyrolean winter is not
to be taken lightly, nor is illness when the body's defences are weak. But
Bernhard carried on with an event in Zillertal, films, festivals and talks.
He believed it was at his 67th anti-smoking talk to schoolchildren, that
he caught a cold.
In mid-March he discussed coming to BIAFF - though a trip to India would
start a few days later. But now a whirlwind was raging within him. The cold
became pneumonia. Bernhard took medication, but refused to let illness dictate
his life. In late March he and Karin set off to events in Lichtenstein,
Switzerland, Italy and in April went on to Germany. There the pneumonia struck
hard and viciously. He was rushed to Intensive Care, given oxygen and sedatives
… yet still sent a flood of illustrated emails to friends around the
world.
On Good Friday his message described a drug-induced nightmare, made some
jokes and concluded:
"I wish you and yours a joyful Easter - and for me too, so that I can
keep performing for you!"
He died on Easter Saturday.
He was, of course, much more than one of the world's finest non-commercial
film makers. For 28 years he taught history, physics chemistry and English
at Stumm & District Junior High School until the cancer made him officially
an invalid. He was a fine stills photographer, a great traveller, a devotee
of Williams schnapps, a tireless and devoted friend.
In the couple's bonus years - after defeating the first lung cancer - he
and Karin travelled and celebrated life together with a special fervour.
Their days were packed: one year with Bernhard was like five with anyone
else.
His sons, Markus and Peter, grandchildren Niklas and Leon, his siblings and
their families were all dear to him. But Bernhard's world centred on his
beloved Karin, "the quiet companion to such a bubbling extrovert," as Reg
Lancaster put it. Now she has to cope both with personal tragedy and the
response of film enthusiasts world-wide. We send her our sympathy and love.
Of his rich film legacy only a few are well-known in Britain.
Waldesglut (charcoal burners), Gigantomanie made
with Frank Dietrich (enormous coal mining machines), La Battaglia Delle
Arance (battles with oranges), A Rather Different Year
(his cancer) and Oldiegarage (handicapped garage owner.) Those
last two won Britain's top amateur prize, the Daily Mail Trophy, in 2007
and 2008.
BIAFF 2009 showed Building Bridges (charity in Romania) and
The Marterers made with Klaus Hümer (alpine cattle drive).
There is work not yet seen in Britain and more in the pipeline. If the family
permit, we may hope to watch: Mäh, Dubai-Stone-Ride, A Long Way
and Flashbulbs. His films are a permanent reminder
of the man we miss.
News of his death shocked friends, those who had met him at BIAFF and the
many who had been deeply moved by the honesty and courage of A Rather
Different Year. Now that tornado of a film maker has passed …
and there is a dreadful emptiness.
- Dave Watterson
His club website puts it simply:
The final battle is now ended.
A good life, and four bonus years are over.
Lord, take me into Thy kingdom.
The last clapperboard has closed.
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