My event “Around the Zoetrope – Discover the Predecessor of Film” took place on October 6, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Medienprojektzentrum – Offener Kanal Kassel. In this exciting presentation, I introduced the historic and fascinating device that was considered a precursor to modern film. Even before the invention of film in 1895, this primitive device made it possible, for example, to depict drawn figures in motion. In addition, I provided insights into my educational project involving zoetropes and my zoetrope workshops. I also presented my film THE SAUSAGE RUN.

The zoetrope, a groundbreaking invention from 1834, demonstrated impressively how moving images were created through rapid sequences of individual frames. The zoetrope is not only a remarkable artifact from the history of optics but also a significant piece of cultural history. I wanted to show visitors how simple techniques had led to major innovations that continued to shape our lives. I presented other optical inventions that could display images in motion and explained how they works.

Additionally, I provided insights into my work in film education and introduce my zoetrope workshop, which consisted of four modules. Visitors had the opportunity to be actively involved in a mini-workshop: they could create their own short animation on a paper strip and view it directly on a zoetrope.

A special highlight was the presentation of the animations created in the workshop in a spinning animation show, which we have previously successfully performed at various events, including the city anniversary of Straubing with the title The Spinning History. The show combines the workshop results with specially composed music and will be presented using various optical devices. I   performed selected animations live and showed film footage from past shows.

At the end of the event, I screened my award-winning short film The Sausage Run, a modern interpretation of the Grimm fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood.” This 10-minute animation, which also includes zoetrope sequences, tells the touching story of a small lamb caught in a tragic situation with quirky humor.

With this event, I aimed to address teachers, educational institutions, and social organizations that were interested in holding a workshop.

Admission to the event was free. The event was supported by the Cultural Office of Kassel.

How do we work in the workshop?

Explanation of an animation produced on a strip of paper for a Zoetrope.

(with English subtitle)

Results of the Zoetrope workshop, produced by adults, on January 2024 in Kassel

Get general information about my Zoetrope workshop or my animation workshops.

Read more about The Spinning Animation Show or watch records of the shows and the making ofs in full length on Vimeo.

Read reports about my animation workshops.

See my next events.

Buy a Zoetrope craft kit.