Kurt Weber, Director of photography, Mainz

When ZeLIG called for the first time, it must have been five years old. Was it a “she“ or a “he“?
To me it was a “she“ when I remembered Heidi Gronauer or a “he“ when I remembered Antonio Saluzzi. And I find this kind of personality cult not inappropriate. The team around Heidi Gronauer, with Antonio Saluzzi (later Georg Zeller), with Lotte Gibitz, Signora Caruso and the technical people has remained unchanged in my memory. The family atmosphere, the presence of the children (Lea, Nikolai and Rafael), the friendliness, the straight open talks were to me over the years the nicest incentive for a pilgrimage to Bozen when I received the invitation.
I think the personal focus on the guests also shaped the students. The closeness to the other person (and his concern) is a source of strength for every committed documentary-maker. At no other school have the students been so considerate to people (myself included) as in Bozen.
I was always impressed about the students´ motivation and unlimited desire for knowledge. It was a pleasure to experience the mix of the German and Italian languages. During the days of my lectures I discussed with Mrs. Gronauer the perspectives and the future profile of ZeLIG and I´ve argued that they concentrate on documentary and exclude fiction films from the programme. Perhaps my recommendation was a little helpful in steering ZeLIG towards its current form. It´s already been 3 years since I was last in Bozen. In my days it was in Carducci street and only once in the new, modern house in Brenner street. The qualitative leap was unmistakable. From blackboard and chalk to projectors with PowerPoint presentations. Apart from all empathy for the unique atmosphere of ZeLIG, what counts in the end for the standing of the school is simply the recognition and the work of the graduates. On reading about the many awards which the graduates have since achieved, this seems to be the case.

I wish ZeLIG continued success. Have a big and beautiful celebration of your 20th! And if you realize that I celebrate my 80th in the same year, I think I´m entitled to tap my “grandchild“ on the shoulder with the encouraging words:

“keep it up, ZeLIG...“