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. Even before the invention of film (1895), this primitive device made it possible, for example, to depict drawn figures in motion. 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. I will present other optical inventions that can display images in motion and explain how they work.

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 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 give an insight into my current project ‘History of the Earth’, in which I am developing an animated film and a spinning animation show that is intended to present important milestones in the history of the Earth in a visually impressive way. I will talk about my motivation for this project and look for co-operation partners, especially educational institutions, who would like to participate in this artistic project.

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.

With this event, Stellmach would like to address teachers, educational institutions and social organisations that are interested in holding a workshop.

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.