The Concept: The Horten Mystery
Working Title: The Horten Mystery: A Fabulous Fiction of Power, Money, and Pearls
The Vision
This mockumentary is a satirical and at the same time profound examination of the legacy of one of the richest and most controversial couples in German-Austrian history: Heidi and Helmut Horten.
We combine historical facts with fictional elements to show the absurdity of extreme wealth, the mechanisms of displacement, and the intertwining of capital and politics.
The Structure (4 Parts)
1. The Dazzling Widow
A look at Heidi's life after her husband's death. We show her eccentric luxury, her art collection, and her role as the "Grande Dame" of society.
2. The Rise of Helmut Horten
We document Helmut's path to becoming the "department store king." The focus here is on the "market consolidation" (Aryanization) of the 1930s.
3. The Fate of the Losers
What happened to those who had to give up their department stores? We highlight the fate of the Alsberg brothers and other victims.
4. The Political Love Story
The relationship with the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP). We dedicate ourselves to the "Rain of Gold" – the donations and the systematic splitting of payments.
This project is a balancing act between documentation and satire.