Project: neuland
Work: Experimental/Essay Film, 10’
Location: CH
Date: 2025
Currently in post-production.
*upcoming release; buy your tickets now*
Zurich Design Week
Stadtgärtnerei, Zürich
Tickets
Wednesday, 10/09/2025
Thursday, 11/09/2025
Friday, 12/09/2025
Saturday, 13/09/2025
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems for storing and regulating water and nutrients – and are considered living archives preserving thousands of years of plant remains, pollen, and traces of former landscapes. Despite their importance, around 80% of these habitats in Switzerland have disappeared since 1900 – today, only about 1% of the original area remains intact. What happens if we begin to see these forgotten landscapes as part of our future?
neuland is a two-part work consisting of an essay film and live performance that explores the future of wetlands. What does it mean when city, nature, and infrastructure are newly intertwined – and how can humans, technology, and landscape find new ways to connect? At its core is an engagement with wetlands as sponge-like spaces: landscapes that store and filter water – gaining new importance in the face of climate change. The performance venue – the Stadtgärtnerei of Zurich – is located on a former wetland. neuland asks what role such water-bound spaces could play in future urban design, ecological resilience, and care for the urban environment.
If you are curious about the project, or would like to receive a press kit, please get in touch.
Screenwriting / Direction Film
Zana Selimi
Screenwriting / Art Direction / Production
Eva Schneuwly
Direction of Photography
Justus Briese
Sounddesign
Mike Utiger
Choreografie
Lisa Kilthau-Merscher
Production Design
Maëlle Leonie Odermatt
Nina Dettwiler
Eva Schneuwly
Costume
Simona Schlegel
Make-Up
Andy Lörtscher
Gaffer
Lea Studer
Line De Kaenel
Runner
Paul Grieguszies
Leah Spirk
Performance
Cathrin Merscher
Lisa Kilthau-Merscher
Edit
Anton Krebs
Scientific Expertise Biodiversity
Leah Spirk
Fragment of «Hybridlandschaft» by
Ansgar Stadler
Eva Schneuwly
supported by
Grünstadt Zürich
Work: Experimental/Essay Film, 10’
Location: CH
Date: 2025
Currently in post-production.
*upcoming release; buy your tickets now*
Zurich Design Week
Stadtgärtnerei, Zürich
Tickets
Wednesday, 10/09/2025
Thursday, 11/09/2025
Friday, 12/09/2025
Saturday, 13/09/2025
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems for storing and regulating water and nutrients – and are considered living archives preserving thousands of years of plant remains, pollen, and traces of former landscapes. Despite their importance, around 80% of these habitats in Switzerland have disappeared since 1900 – today, only about 1% of the original area remains intact. What happens if we begin to see these forgotten landscapes as part of our future?
neuland is a two-part work consisting of an essay film and live performance that explores the future of wetlands. What does it mean when city, nature, and infrastructure are newly intertwined – and how can humans, technology, and landscape find new ways to connect? At its core is an engagement with wetlands as sponge-like spaces: landscapes that store and filter water – gaining new importance in the face of climate change. The performance venue – the Stadtgärtnerei of Zurich – is located on a former wetland. neuland asks what role such water-bound spaces could play in future urban design, ecological resilience, and care for the urban environment.
If you are curious about the project, or would like to receive a press kit, please get in touch.
Screenwriting / Direction Film
Zana Selimi
Screenwriting / Art Direction / Production
Eva Schneuwly
Direction of Photography
Justus Briese
Sounddesign
Mike Utiger
Choreografie
Lisa Kilthau-Merscher
Production Design
Maëlle Leonie Odermatt
Nina Dettwiler
Eva Schneuwly
Costume
Simona Schlegel
Make-Up
Andy Lörtscher
Gaffer
Lea Studer
Line De Kaenel
Runner
Paul Grieguszies
Leah Spirk
Performance
Cathrin Merscher
Lisa Kilthau-Merscher
Edit
Anton Krebs
Scientific Expertise Biodiversity
Leah Spirk
Fragment of «Hybridlandschaft» by
Ansgar Stadler
Eva Schneuwly
supported by
Grünstadt Zürich
Project: small talk
Work: Short Film Fiction, 17’
Location: Zurich, CH
Date: 2025
Currently in distribution
If you are curious about the project or would like to receive a press kit, please get in touch.
EN:
‘small talk’ is a transmedia film project that explores the topics of closeness, exchange and loneliness. At its heart is a short film about a system that forces strangers to engage in dialogue in order to gain access to public life. In the midst of this, the friends Laya and Emil are confronted with the question of how honest conversations can be in such a system – and what really makes a deep relationship. A real dialogue chamber and short-form content on social media bring the story to life – in space, online, and in conversation.
DE:
«small talk» ist ein transmediales Filmprojekt, das die Themen Nähe, Austausch und Einsamkeit erkundet. Im Zentrum steht ein Kurzfilm über ein System, das Dialoge zwischen Fremden erzwingt, um Zugang zum öffentlichen Leben zu gewähren. Mittendrin sehen sich die Freunde Laya und Emil mit der Frage konfrontiert, wie ehrlich Gespräche in einem solchen System sein können – und was eine tiefe Beziehung wirklich ausmacht. Eine reale Dialogkammer und Short-Form-Content auf Social Media machen das Thema erlebbar – im Raum, im Netz, im Gespräch.
A film by Justus Briese & Zana Selimi
Directed & Developed by Justus Briese & Zana Selimi
Screenplay: Zana Selimi
Produced by: Zana Selimi & Justus Briese
Production Manager: Jimena Cugat
Produced by: ZHdK Zuercher Hochschule der Kuenste
in Co-Production with: SRF Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen
Camera Department
Director of Photography: Line de Kaenel
1st Assistant Camera: Aline Bavier
Additional 1st AC: Liam Erlach
2nd Assistant Camera: Zoë Kraft
DIT: Salome Kaesemodel
Lighting & Grip
Gaffer: Pascal Kohler
Best Boy: Fabian Genucchi
Grip / Lighting Technician: Fabian Keller
Lighting Technician / Grip: Katja Stirnemann
Production Team
Set Production Assistant: David Brändlin
Crowd AD: Mara Turnheer
Art Department
Production Design: Julia Kraushaar, Selin Samci
Production Design Assistant: Jennifer Gerfin
Styling: Mariana Munoz
Styling Assistant: Anne Militzer
Hair & Make-up: Beatrice Grob
Sound Department
Set Sound: Pino Nessi
Sound Design: Andras Pupato
Dolby Atmos Mix: Martin Scheuter
Composition: Leonardo Cavalli
Post Production
Head of Editing: Loris Bosco
Editor: Justus Briese
Grading: Line de Kaenel & Cast
Flurina Schlegel as Laya
Tim Knieps as Emil
Julia Minuz as Nora
Sandra Moser as Lisbeth
Featured Extras
Jiyan Elci as Security
Dea Volic as Businesswoman
Hans Grüter as Dogdad
Selma Kopp as Woman in front of Bar
Boris Germann as Barkeeper
Eva Schneuwly as Woman at Bar
Extras
Saturday: Miranda Winter, Livia Briese
Sunday: Silvia Adiliberti, Laura Seric, Madeleine Grob, Noah Jarju, Franca Palmy, Naxhi Selimi, Barbara Bornhauser, Nina Zurkinden, Sandro Schmocker
Monday: Angelica Bühler, Clemens Schulze-Briese, Saskia Renée Loher, Jonatan Bischof
Catering
Yves Henz, Jules Henz, Amani Al-Jabaji, Zora Tanner
Graphics: Basil Knill
Work: Short Film Fiction, 17’
Location: Zurich, CH
Date: 2025
Currently in distribution
If you are curious about the project or would like to receive a press kit, please get in touch.
EN:
‘small talk’ is a transmedia film project that explores the topics of closeness, exchange and loneliness. At its heart is a short film about a system that forces strangers to engage in dialogue in order to gain access to public life. In the midst of this, the friends Laya and Emil are confronted with the question of how honest conversations can be in such a system – and what really makes a deep relationship. A real dialogue chamber and short-form content on social media bring the story to life – in space, online, and in conversation.
DE:
«small talk» ist ein transmediales Filmprojekt, das die Themen Nähe, Austausch und Einsamkeit erkundet. Im Zentrum steht ein Kurzfilm über ein System, das Dialoge zwischen Fremden erzwingt, um Zugang zum öffentlichen Leben zu gewähren. Mittendrin sehen sich die Freunde Laya und Emil mit der Frage konfrontiert, wie ehrlich Gespräche in einem solchen System sein können – und was eine tiefe Beziehung wirklich ausmacht. Eine reale Dialogkammer und Short-Form-Content auf Social Media machen das Thema erlebbar – im Raum, im Netz, im Gespräch.
A film by Justus Briese & Zana Selimi
Directed & Developed by Justus Briese & Zana Selimi
Screenplay: Zana Selimi
Produced by: Zana Selimi & Justus Briese
Production Manager: Jimena Cugat
Produced by: ZHdK Zuercher Hochschule der Kuenste
in Co-Production with: SRF Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen
Camera Department
Director of Photography: Line de Kaenel
1st Assistant Camera: Aline Bavier
Additional 1st AC: Liam Erlach
2nd Assistant Camera: Zoë Kraft
DIT: Salome Kaesemodel
Lighting & Grip
Gaffer: Pascal Kohler
Best Boy: Fabian Genucchi
Grip / Lighting Technician: Fabian Keller
Lighting Technician / Grip: Katja Stirnemann
Production Team
Set Production Assistant: David Brändlin
Crowd AD: Mara Turnheer
Art Department
Production Design: Julia Kraushaar, Selin Samci
Production Design Assistant: Jennifer Gerfin
Styling: Mariana Munoz
Styling Assistant: Anne Militzer
Hair & Make-up: Beatrice Grob
Sound Department
Set Sound: Pino Nessi
Sound Design: Andras Pupato
Dolby Atmos Mix: Martin Scheuter
Composition: Leonardo Cavalli
Post Production
Head of Editing: Loris Bosco
Editor: Justus Briese
Grading: Line de Kaenel & Cast
Flurina Schlegel as Laya
Tim Knieps as Emil
Julia Minuz as Nora
Sandra Moser as Lisbeth
Featured Extras
Jiyan Elci as Security
Dea Volic as Businesswoman
Hans Grüter as Dogdad
Selma Kopp as Woman in front of Bar
Boris Germann as Barkeeper
Eva Schneuwly as Woman at Bar
Extras
Saturday: Miranda Winter, Livia Briese
Sunday: Silvia Adiliberti, Laura Seric, Madeleine Grob, Noah Jarju, Franca Palmy, Naxhi Selimi, Barbara Bornhauser, Nina Zurkinden, Sandro Schmocker
Monday: Angelica Bühler, Clemens Schulze-Briese, Saskia Renée Loher, Jonatan Bischof
Catering
Yves Henz, Jules Henz, Amani Al-Jabaji, Zora Tanner
Graphics: Basil Knill
Project: Glimmer
Work: Experimental Shortfilm
Location: Aarhus, DK
Date: 2024
Details: The film explores the idea of how metal and it’s immortality contrast with the finite nature of human existence. It asks the question: What makes human life meaningful in the face of its brevity? How do the stories of our ancestors, ingrained within us, shape our perception of the present, and which stories do we carry within us for the future?
The collaborative poem, crafted by writers, friends, and family worldwide, paired with experimental visuals invites viewers to ponder the enigmatic essence that lingers long after we're gone.
The film is a collaboration with the jewellery designer Lisa Billander.
All jewellery is available to buy or rent on her website.
Producer, Model: Fien Kommer
Director: Zana Selimi
DoP, Grading: Marie Lyseggen
Styling: Viktorie Štêpánová
Gaffer: Miles Hardy
Sound Design: Ezra Schell and Ali Rashid
Edit: Zana Selimi, Viktorie Štêpánová
Graphics: Abhash Mittal
Collaborative Poem: Isabel Hexspoor, Jules van Poppel, Sanne van der Brugge, Joppe van den Heuvel, Sterre van den Elzen, Veronika Olejárová, Magdalena Štěpánová, David Laufer, Sunniva Ryland, Adrian Russouw, Iliriana Maksutaj, Jonathan Bischof
Special thanks to all the beautiful voices <3
Work: Experimental Shortfilm
Location: Aarhus, DK
Date: 2024
Details: The film explores the idea of how metal and it’s immortality contrast with the finite nature of human existence. It asks the question: What makes human life meaningful in the face of its brevity? How do the stories of our ancestors, ingrained within us, shape our perception of the present, and which stories do we carry within us for the future?
The collaborative poem, crafted by writers, friends, and family worldwide, paired with experimental visuals invites viewers to ponder the enigmatic essence that lingers long after we're gone.
The film is a collaboration with the jewellery designer Lisa Billander.
All jewellery is available to buy or rent on her website.
Producer, Model: Fien Kommer
Director: Zana Selimi
DoP, Grading: Marie Lyseggen
Styling: Viktorie Štêpánová
Gaffer: Miles Hardy
Sound Design: Ezra Schell and Ali Rashid
Edit: Zana Selimi, Viktorie Štêpánová
Graphics: Abhash Mittal
Collaborative Poem: Isabel Hexspoor, Jules van Poppel, Sanne van der Brugge, Joppe van den Heuvel, Sterre van den Elzen, Veronika Olejárová, Magdalena Štěpánová, David Laufer, Sunniva Ryland, Adrian Russouw, Iliriana Maksutaj, Jonathan Bischof
Special thanks to all the beautiful voices <3
Project: Revive
Work: Experimental Shortfilm
Location: Aarhus, DK
Date: 2023
Details: A metaphoric visualization of how deadstock fabric regains purpose and value by being reassembled in the same way people regain purpose through togetherness. An expression of the way community is a necessity for expressing individualism.
Producer, Styling: Fien Kommer
Director: Zana Selimi
1st AD, Styling: Fenne van Heugten
AP: Julie Øhlenschlæger Urup
Photography: Marie Lyseggen & Kjel Bader
Grading: Oliver Schmocker
Sound Design: Frederik Nielssen
Edit: Zana Selimi & Fenne van Heugten
Models:
Ida Schütt
Lavina-Hawla Battal
Nicole Antik
Designers: Kornelia Pap & Grete Astover
Work: Experimental Shortfilm
Location: Aarhus, DK
Date: 2023
Details: A metaphoric visualization of how deadstock fabric regains purpose and value by being reassembled in the same way people regain purpose through togetherness. An expression of the way community is a necessity for expressing individualism.
Producer, Styling: Fien Kommer
Director: Zana Selimi
1st AD, Styling: Fenne van Heugten
AP: Julie Øhlenschlæger Urup
Photography: Marie Lyseggen & Kjel Bader
Grading: Oliver Schmocker
Sound Design: Frederik Nielssen
Edit: Zana Selimi & Fenne van Heugten
Models:
Ida Schütt
Lavina-Hawla Battal
Nicole Antik
Designers: Kornelia Pap & Grete Astover
Project: Lakor - For Outdoor Lovers At Heart
Work: Spec for the Lakor SS24 collection
Location: Aarhus, DK
Date: 2023
Details:
Written and directed by Zana Selimi
Producer: Ana Loridon
DoP: Marie Lyseggen
Production Design, Animations and Edit: Viktorie Štěpánová
Light and Color: Jonas Nordberg
Model: Morten Skovgaard
Work: Spec for the Lakor SS24 collection
Location: Aarhus, DK
Date: 2023
Details:
Written and directed by Zana Selimi
Producer: Ana Loridon
DoP: Marie Lyseggen
Production Design, Animations and Edit: Viktorie Štěpánová
Light and Color: Jonas Nordberg
Model: Morten Skovgaard