Film premiere of “The Weight of the World”
Science at the Lichtburg
- von Birte Vierjahn
- 11.05.2026
The historic cinema in Essen was packed for the premiere of The Weight of the World, with numerous guests from the university, the local community and the wider public accepting the invitation from the Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE) to attend. After the screening of the documentary about science, climate change and responsibility, there was a lively discussion with the director and the film’s protagonists.
What does it mean to be a scientist conducting research into climate change and taking responsibility? This is the central question of the documentary film The Weight of the World, which CENIDE is bringing to the Lichtburg cinema in Essen for its premiere on 8 May 2026.
The Lichtburg was packed with people interested in film, science and social dialogue. The documentary, directed by Florian Heinzen-Ziob, follows three scientists addressing the consequences of climate change in different ways: molecular biologist Dr Nana-Maria Grüning; glaciologist Dr Maria Hörhold; and chemist Prof. Dr Sebastian Seiffert. They are all united by the question of how scientific knowledge can be translated into social action.
Several departments from the University of Duisburg-Essen were also represented at the event. In the cinema foyer, the faculties of Computer Science and Chemistry, along with the Co-Creation Lab 'Product Innovation', showcased product innovations and provided insights into the university's research, teaching, and knowledge transfer activities.
A photo gallery from the film premiere at Essen’s Lichtburg cinema can be found at:
https://www.uni-due.de/aktuell/2026-05-10-bilderstrecke-das-gewicht-der-welt.php
Further screenings of the film across Germany:
https://mindjazz-pictures.de/filme/das-gewicht-der-welt/
Further Information:
Dr. Tobias Teckentrup, Managing Director CENIDE, +49 203/37 9-8178, tobias.teckentrup@uni-due.de