The world as a guest in Zurich
People from 195 countries live in Switzerland. This remarkable fact inspired advertising filmmaker and photographer Reiner Roduner to launch his Switzers project.
From June 30 to September 6, all 195 portraits can be seen at an open-air photo exhibition in Zurich. The photograph of an Ethiopian taken by Reiner Roduner four years ago marks the beginning of Switzer's work. The image of the radiant face never let go of the filmmaker and photographer, and when he learned that people from no fewer than 195 countries live in Switzerland, he decided to get a representative of each of these nations in front of the camera and make the portraits accessible to the public.
All the nations represented here in Switzerland were portrayed and interviewed by director Paul Riniker during 12 shoots in Zurich and Geneva. The team also includes cameraman and photographer Roland Schmid, make-up artist Bea Petri, owner of Schminkbar, and her daughter and co-owner Kim Petri.
"Sensational!"
As part of the Zurich summer festival "Aufsehen!", Switzers wants to manifest the unity of people of all nationalities and promote respect and mutual esteem. The photos, some of which are up to 10 meters tall, can be seen at Zurich main station, in ShopVille and throughout Europaallee. In addition to the photos, the exhibition also contains many statements
of the protagonists. For example, Khaldoun from Lebanon says: "No matter where, we are all just visiting this earth. Maybe you'll be born in Africa in your next life." Or Maria Soledad from Uruguay, who says: "I was here for two months when I heard the sound of the alphorn - and I cried. From then on, Switzerland was in my heart." Remko from the Netherlands is certain: "The Swiss could certainly do with a good shot of Dutch directness."
Switzers is to be continued after the summer festival: A book is planned, and a mobile exhibition with 200 illuminated panels will go on tour in interested Swiss cities.
Patronage: Mayor Corine Mauch, member of the patronage committee: President of the Swiss Confederation Simonetta Sommaruga. The Nation Walk in Zurich was made possible with the support of the project partners: Europaallee, SBB, ShopVille-Zurich main station and UBS.
