I warmly invite you to my event “Around the Zoetrope – Discover the Predecessor of Film,” taking place on October 6, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Medienprojektzentrum – Offener Kanal Kassel. In this exciting presentation, I will introduce the historic and fascinating device that is considered a precursor to modern film. In addition, I will provide insights into my current educational project involving zoetropes and my zoetrope workshops. I will also be presenting my film THE SAUSAGE RUN.

The zoetrope, a groundbreaking invention from 1834, demonstrates impressively how moving images are 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 want to show visitors how simple techniques have led to major innovations that continue to shape our lives today.

During the event, I will present various optical devices and explain their functions in detail.
Additionally, I will provide insights into my work in film education and introduce my zoetrope workshop, which consists of four modules. Visitors will have the opportunity to be actively involved in a mini-workshop: they can create their own short animation on a paper strip and view it directly on a zoetrope – an interactive experience for all ages from 10 years and up.

A special highlight will be the presentation of the animations created in the workshop in a spinning animation show, which I have previously successfully performed at various events, including the city anniversary of Straubing. The show combines the workshop results with specially composed music and will be presented using various optical devices.
I will also show film footage from past shows and perform selected animations live. In addition to the zoetrope, other optical devices will be used.

Furthermore, I will present my current project “History of t/en/portfolio_page/the-spinning-animation-show/he Earth,” in which I am developing a trick film and spinning-animation show to visually represent significant milestones in Earth’s history. I am looking for collaboration partners, especially educational institutions, to participate in this artistic endeavour.

At the end of the event, I will screen 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 humour.

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

About me:
I am Thomas Stellmach (*1965 in Straubing), an internationally recognized trick film director, producer, and animator. In 1997, I was awarded the Oscar® for my stop-motion film Quest. After studying animation at the Academy of Art Kassel, I work today as a freelance artist and regularly conduct animation workshops.

How do we work in the workshop?

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

(with English subtitle)

If you would like to take part in the presentation, you can register for the upcoming Zoetrope workshop from 3 to 6 October 2024 in Kassel. There we will create animations that can be presented at the mini spinning animation show.

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

Commercial spot of the upcoming Zoetrope workshop in Kassel, Germany.

Download the flyer of the event Around the Zoetrope (in German).

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.