The opening scene of Touch of Evil unfolds in a single, unbroken shot: a ticking bomb, a crowded border town, and a camera that moves like an omniscient observer. Through light, movement, and sound, Orson Welles creates one of cinema’s most iconic openings, a study in tension, rhythm, and the fine line between order and chaos.

In June 2025, Basel once again became the global hub of contemporary art as Art Basel marked its 55th edition, welcoming 289 galleries from 42 countries and an attendance of some 88,000 visitors. Founded in 1970, the fair has evolved from a Swiss-gallery gathering into the premier meeting place for artists, curators and collectors from around the world. For me personally, it was the first visit of the international art fair…

When I received unexpected press accreditation for Tuning World Bodensee 2024, I entered a world I knew little about, filled with roaring engines, tire smoke, and excitement. What I found in Friedrichshafen was more than just a car show; it was a vibrant festival celebrating individuality and craftsmanship. From photographing high-speed drift races to discovering the artistry behind custom builds, the experience opened my eyes to a fascinating culture driven by passion, precision, and community.

Trust Me by Joanna Ratajczak examines the tension between love, freedom, and societal expectations through the story of a marriage under strain. Filmed over six years, it follows Sebastian and Alicja as they confront the limits of monogamy and personal independence within their family life. While the film’s artistic approach and fragmented storytelling create a distinct atmosphere, it remains emotionally distant at times. Still, its portrayal of an unconventional relationship structure offers a thought-provoking reflection on what it means to seek freedom without losing connection.

Just Hear Me Out by Małgorzata Imielska offers an intimate look into the life of 19-year-old Gosia, who lives with schizophrenia. Told through a mix of personal video diaries and her mother’s online reflections, the film captures the emotional toll of mental illness on both sides. Its raw, vlog-style storytelling creates a closeness that is both tender and unsettling, revealing the fragility and strength that coexist in Gosia’s daily life. Nominated for the VIKTOR Main Competition at DOK.international, the film stands out as a moving portrayal of resilience and the quiet fight for self-determination.

Johatsu – Into Thin Air uncovers a haunting phenomenon in Japan, where thousands of people vanish each year to escape the pressures of their lives. Directors Arata Mori and Andreas Hartmann explore this hidden world with striking sensitivity, following those who turn to “Night Moving Companies” to erase their past and begin anew. The film combines investigative depth with poetic visuals, revealing both the loneliness and the quiet determination behind disappearance. Through its German-Japanese collaboration, Johatsu becomes more than a documentary—it’s a reflection on identity, freedom, and the human desire to start over.

Beyond Guilt (Jenseits von Schuld) by Katharina Köster and Katrin Nemec shifts the lens from victims to the parents of a serial killer, confronting an often-ignored dimension of crime. Through intimate interviews and a restrained visual style, the film reveals the lasting emotional toll and isolation faced by those tied to an offender’s actions. As the couple at its center relives their trauma amid a new trial, Beyond Guilt becomes a haunting exploration of shame, endurance, and the limits of empathy.

KIX follows Sanyi, a boy growing up in Budapest’s working-class neighborhoods, over the course of ten years. Directors Bálint Révész and Dávid Mikulán craft an unfiltered, emotionally charged portrait of childhood shaped by hardship, resilience, and fleeting moments of joy. Through raw imagery, experimental storytelling, and intimate access, the film captures Sanyi’s transformation from playful child to troubled adolescent against the backdrop of poverty and neglect. Winner of the DOK.edit Award 2024, KIX stands out for its powerful blend of realism and artistry, offering a deeply human look at a life caught between innocence and survival.

Projekt Ballhausplatz. Aufstieg und Fall des Sebastian Kurz by Kurt Langbein traces the meteoric rise and dramatic downfall of Austria’s former chancellor through the lens of political manipulation and media control. Combining archival footage with sharp analysis, the film exposes how Kurz built a carefully crafted public image through populist messaging and strategic PR. Beneath the polished façade emerges a portrait of calculated ambition, where image outweighs ideology and power takes precedence over principle. Both a political study and a cautionary tale, Projekt Ballhausplatz examines how modern populism thrives in an era shaped by spectacle and spin.

Join me on a spontaneous 50-hour adventure in London! As I pedal through the city on Santander Bikes, I capture everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems with my camera. This solo photography trip wasn't just about the stunning sights; it was also about the amazing people I met along the way. Each encounter reminded me that travel is really about the connections we make. Dive into my experiences and see London in a fresh, new light!