Filmscreening & Artisttalk: SEPARATIONS – Who Belongs to the Neckar?

"Separations" is a documentary project currently in development. Beginning with the 2024 flood in Heidelberg, the film emerges at the intersection of the filmmaker’s personal experience of living in the city and its ongoing conversations about the Neckar. At its core are two parallel phenomena: the constant arrival and departure of students and researchers, and the lives of the birds inhabiting the riverbanks.

In many conversations along the Neckar, “the geese situation” repeatedly came up. Rather than focusing solely on the birds themselves, we became interested in the stories, emotions, and debates they provoke. This serves as a starting point for exploring broader questions of migration, coexistence, belonging, and environmental change in Heidelberg.

On July 24, a preliminary screening of the work-in-progress will take place. On this occasion, we wish to open the discussion about the Neckar and the geese to the public.

The conversation may revolve around encounters with birds in Heidelberg, memories of Neckarwiese, the changing riverbanks following the floods, and everyday experiences of living alongside urban bird populations, serving as starting points for new questions.

The event will be held in English. Admission is free, and no registration is required.