17.12.24

50 years of the Ringier School of Journalism: documentary film ‘The House on the Hill’ released

The Ringier School of Journalism is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and is marking the occasion with a special film project. Four students in the current class have produced the documentary 'The House on the Hill', which offers insights into the history of the renowned training center while also highlighting the challenges and changes in journalism education.

The documentary, which was made during the two-year training of Janik Leuenberger, Vanessa Nyfeler, Joschka Schaffner and Yara Vettiger, follows the class of 2022/24 from the entrance exam to the graduation ceremony. The film takes you behind the scenes of everyday teaching at the stately Villa Römerhalde above Zofingen in the canton of Aargau, which has always been home to the journalism school.

The film features not only current students but also former graduates who have since become established figures in the media industry. These include Silvia Binggeli, editor-in-chief of “Schweizer Illustrierte”, Marc Walder, CEO of Ringier, and publisher Michael Ringier. They all talk about their experiences at the journalism school and how this time shaped their careers. Frank A. Meyer, President of the Board of Trustees of the Hans Ringier Foundation, which supports the school, also sheds light on the values and visions of this unique educational institution.

The film also focuses on the three previous directors of the Ringier School of Journalism: Fridolin Luchsinger, Hannes Britschgi and the current director Peter Hossli reflect on the development of journalism education over the past decades and the changing demands of the profession.
These perspectives are complemented by Samuel Beljean, the gardener of the Villa Römerhalde, who charmingly describes the peculiarities of this historic house, which has significantly influenced the school’s educational history since its foundation.

The film was produced under the direction of Peter Hossli, supported by Magdalena Kauz, a former journalism school student and now a successful filmmaker, who came up with the idea for this project and advised the team throughout.

“The House on the Hill” is now available on YouTube. The one-hour film is a declaration of love for journalism, a tribute to the many talents fostered by the journalism school, and an impressive contemporary document about the transformation of the media industry and the passion that drives this profession.

Apply now: the next course starts in August 2025
The new course begins on August 18, 2025. Applications can still be submitted at Ringier Careers.

Attachment
Youtube link to the JouSchu documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1EdejgKgCM

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