“Hard Work” Harogs (Switzerland)

──What inspired you to create this film for GIFF 2025?

It all started with a brief thought. "Imagine having to perform all the functions yourself as the owner of a cache..." Shortly afterward, I was on a geocaching trip with Commge, and we came across the Willi cache and the Blackbox (Traditional Cache GC9NWT5) by Schtöffel. This cache is now also featured in the film. Somehow, this geocache seemed to fit the original idea perfectly.

──How many people worked on your film, and how long did the production take?

Four people were involved in the film production. I developed the script with Jolanda and Martin. Jolanda and I organized a lot of the logistics, gathered props, and even built some props ourselves out of cardboard. Then we visited the location at Schtöffel's geocache and asked for his permission to use his box in the film. For the scenes inside the box, we were given a room at a timber construction company. After that, there were two days of filming. On the first day, we were outside at the geocache, and Jolanda played her part. We already had to think about how the interplay between the indoor and outdoor scenes would work. On the second day, a few weeks later, we met at night and filmed the indoor scenes, working with artificial light. Those were the two most fun parts of the project. Then came the hard work for Martin, who had to edit the individual scenes together so that the interplay between the interior and exterior looked natural. That was probably the most time-consuming part. In the end, we handed the film over to Commge, who then added the music. We didn't count the hours, but seven months passed from the first meeting to the film's upload, during which time we stayed in regular contact.

──What was the most memorable or challenging part of making your film?

There were two things that were particularly challenging:

A) Cache Functions / Modification

After we decided on Stöffel's cache, we had to analyze which functions we could incorporate into the film. The film doesn't show all of the cache's features. The cache also didn't have a lid that could be opened. We temporarily built one on top. In reality, the geocacher couldn't reach inside the cache. That was also a challenge from a filming perspective.

B) Filming interior and exterior scenes with a time gap between them.

Since we filmed the exterior shots at the cache and the interior shots 14 days apart, the script had to be followed precisely. Although our cameraman had the scenes very well memorized, we occasionally had to rewatch the filmed exterior scenes to ensure the action inside the cache was filmed perfectly. The final editing was therefore another challenge.

──Is there a moment in your film that you hope geocachers around the world will notice or appreciate?

Ultimately, we wanted to entertain, but the message lies somewhere in between. Namely, that being a geocache owner involves work. The community should show gratitude and appreciation for this work. For example, by treating the geocache with care or perhaps writing more than "TFTC" in the log if you notice that work went into it or that the hiding place was specially chosen.

──Please share a message for geocachers in Japan.

What we do with our hobby, in a kind of parallel world, is fun and connects us. But it's not important to the world – it's barely noticed. Check out the GIFF article "Never a Straight Path" by JustCarlo. With beautiful thoughts, he bridges the gap between geocaching experiences and experiences in our everyday lives. He asks the question: "Is it geocaching or real life?"

Geocaching is more than just searching for a small container. It offers small, personal micro-adventures, but also creates global connections. We wish you outstanding moments with our wonderful hobby and beautiful moments in your community.

出演：Harogs、tonitta2199、Jin Kakino