“Help, I’m inheriting!” We are what we are born into and that is what helps determine whether we live on the right or the wrong side of the tracks. Whatever we inherit, whether money, genes or values, it can be a blessing or a curse, a privilege or a burden. And it can trigger a feeling of deep association or the desire to make a clean break from the past. The “Hilfe, ich erbe!” (Help, I’m inheriting!) exhibition in the Generationenhaus in Berne addresses the different aspects of dealing with a legacy and invites the public to look at their own roots and defining features. There are also a number of video portraits shot for the exhibition by filmmaker Simon Baumann. The exhibition in the Generationenhaus Berne runs until 26 October 2025. www.begh.ch/erben vealed when talking to “Swiss Review”. “I’d like to see Switzerland play an active role in solving problems within Europe instead of seeking to profit from it,” says Ruedi Baumann. Stephanie Baumann also believes Switzerland should “fulfil a role in the world instead of cutting itself off”. They feel well integrated in France, where they were both naturalised after five years’ residence. They were welcomed to the village with open arms – and then wondered “whether new arrivals to Switzerland would also be made to feel so welcome”. The two Swiss Abroad have made many friendships over the years. At the same time, growing old has seen illness and death visit their social circle. The matter of their own future is becoming more pressing – and it weighs on Stephanie Baumann: “What would happen if one of us were to fall ill or to require care?” The isolated farm, accessible only by car, is not really made for older people: “When we lose our mobility, we won’t be able to live here anymore.” Maybe the Baumanns will return to Switzerland to be near their sons and five grandchildren. And they’ll think of something for the farm. “We, the Inheritors” will screen in Swiss cinemas from January 2025. www.wirerben.ch Stephanie Baumann is worried about the future: “What would happen if one of us were to fall ill or to require care?” Where to grow old? The Baumanns are thinking of returning to Switzerland – pictured here visiting an apartment. “Filmmaking allowed me to keep a certain distance while still staying close to my parents.” Film director Simon Baumann Simon Baumann (*1979) studied media art and works as a freelance filmmaker and producer. He lives with his family in Suberg in the canton of Berne. Picture credits for all pictures: Ton und Bild GmbH Swiss Review / December 2024 / No.6 16 Culture
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