Austrian Cultural Forum Madrid Premieres “Scars of Growth” at Cineteca Madrid
Film screening sparks dialogue on environmental costs of rapid urban expansion
October 15th, 2025
The Austrian Cultural Forum Madrid, representing the Embassy of Austria in Spain, presented the Spanish premiere of Scars of Growth, a compelling new documentary by filmmakers Monika Grassl and Linda Osusky, at Cineteca Madrid. The screening drew an audience of filmmakers, academics, and cultural figures for an evening that blended cinema, diplomacy, and dialogue on sustainability and urban transformation.
Scars of Growth explores the social and environmental costs of rapid urban expansion across Central Europe, offering a visually rich and emotionally resonant reflection on the price of progress. Filmed over several years in Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, the documentary combines rigorous investigative reporting with intimate personal testimonies — from residents displaced by urban renewal to architects and activists reimagining the relationship between cities and nature.
The event opened with remarks by the Cultural Attaché of the Austrian Embassy in Spain, who highlighted the importance of film as a medium for transnational dialogue: “Through works like this, Austrian cinema not only tells stories — it invites reflection on how we shape our shared future as Europeans.”
Following the screening, a short discussion with representatives from Madrid’s Filmoteca Española and environmental researchers from Universidad Complutense de Madrid deepened the conversation on urban planning, social equity, and climate resilience. This dialogue exemplified the Forum’s commitment to connecting artistic expression with critical public discourse, a defining feature of Austria’s cultural diplomacy abroad.
By supporting independent filmmakers such as Grassl and Osusky, the Austrian Cultural Forum Madrid continues to nurture emerging voices within Austria’s vibrant documentary scene, while strengthening cultural exchange with Spanish institutions. The event also forms part of the Forum’s ongoing “Austrian Film in Spain” series, which highlights new perspectives in Central European cinema and fosters dialogue on pressing global themes.
Through initiatives like this, the Forum demonstrates how cultural diplomacy can move beyond representation to engagement — using art to inspire awareness, empathy, and collective responsibility across borders.
