Hacking at Leaves

Hacking at Leaves features Austrian artist and filmmaker Johannes Grenzfurthner as both host and director, blending documentary and fiction to delve into themes of optimism, freedom, settler colonialism, pandemics, and societal collapse within the American context.

The film introduces a fictional element to convey its message. Grenzfurthner, clad in a yellow radiation suit, sits in a 1970s-style control room (which he refers to as his “flat”), contemplating whether he should create a documentary about a makerspace at the Powerhouse Science Center in Durango, Colorado. This makerspace played a pivotal role in the global response to COVID-19 by producing medical equipment for the hard-hit Navajo Nation. However, Grenzfurthner is deterred by the thought that the content might be too depressing, and he doubts his ability to “sell it to Netflix.” Uncle Sam (performed by Max Grodénchik) appears, demanding that Grenzfurthner create an ‘invigorating tale’ about the ‘spirit of freedom, the endless beauty of the American Southwest, and a forceful statement against collapse.’ He seeks a ‘true American story.’ Reluctantly, Grenzfurthner agrees to make the documentary, albeit with the intention of educating the audience about the downsides of the “American story” and colonialism. He navigates the complexities of these subjects, incorporating perspectives from activists, artists, and tech enthusiasts. The film draws connections between the Navajo community, hacker culture, and the DIY movement, suggesting that alternative approaches could facilitate societal transformation: “This is a story about communities. It narrates not only the history of the Navajo Community and its struggles but also the history of hacking and hackerspaces and how such communities function within mainstream culture.”

In an article in the Austrian magazine Profil, Grenzfurthner addresses the importance of the Overton window in discussing the contents of his documentary.

Last Updated: August 20, 2025 at 13:00