The next World Expo will take place in Osaka, Japan, from 13 April to 13 October 2025, under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”.

HEAD – Genève has been selected by Presence Switzerland, part of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), to showcase the excellence of Swiss creativity and education on the Swiss Pavilion’s National Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka. On 22 April 2025, HEAD – Geneva will present My Name is Heidi, an immersive performance combining cinema and design. Through a contemporary and innovative approach, the piece reimagines the iconic figure of Heidi – a timeless symbol of Swiss culture – offering a fresh and modern interpretation.

Bringing together the talents of three departments – Cinema, Fashion, and Jewellery & Accessories – My Name is Heidi exemplifies the transdisciplinary approach that defines HEAD – Geneva. Co-created by Bachelor’s and Master’s students from the Cinema Department, in collaboration with Métilde Weyergans and Samuel Hercule – renowned for their live sound-creation film performances – this immersive piece highlights innovation and sound design in Switzerland. The performance is based on a research-creation project led by Anita Hugi, Head of the Cinema Department, focused on reinterpreting the figure of Heidi and exploring her striking presence in international cinema over the past 125 years.

Thanks to the skills acquired in the image, sound, and editing specialisations of the Bachelor’s in Cinema, the many representations of Heidi are brought to life. Heidi is not only a character, but also a landscape, a visual and sonic atmosphere.
Watch the video

Under the direction of Anita Hugi, Head of the Cinema Department, the team collaborated over several months on shoots in the Swiss Alps and in the studio, leading to the creation of My Name is Heidi, which will be presented on 22 April 2025.

Students:
Louis Lamarche (sound recording)
Gaetan Carron (camera assistant)
Milàn Cerovaz (editing)
Miguel Rodriguez-Viloria (editing)
Tabarak Allah Abbas (casting)

Team:
Rafaela Gerhard (coordination)
Antoine Scalese (coordination)
Vuk Vukmanovic (sound mixing)
Hakim Mastour (production management)

Panel – Heidi Forever

In addition to the immersive performance My Name is Heidi, HEAD – Geneva presents the panel Heidi Forever, a discussion on the origins of Heidi and her connections with both Switzerland and Japan. Organised at the Swiss Pavilion in Osaka, this event will bring together Lada Umstätter, Director of HEAD – Geneva, Prof. Dr. Takashi Kawashima, Douglas Edric Stanley, and Anita Hugi.

Together, they will explore the original work by Johanna Spyri and its numerous audiovisual adaptations – including illustrations, cinema, and virtual reality – balancing tradition with a vision for the future. Inclusive and timeless, Heidi unites an international audience around a universal figure.

Swiss Pavilion National Day, Expo 2025, Osaka

• Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, from 13 April to 13 October 2025

• Tuesday, 22 April 2025
  Immersive performance Je m’appelle Heidi, My Name is Heidi, 私はハイジです
  As part of the Swiss Pavilion National Day

• Wednesday, 23 April 2025
  Panel Heidi Forever
  Swiss Pavilion
  EXPO Hall “Shinehat”, Japan
  554-0044 Osaka, Konohana Ward,
  Vumeshimanaka, 1 Chome

• Stay up to date with all the news from the Cinema Department on the HEAD – Genève website
• More information on the immersive performance My Name Is Heidi
• More information on the Swiss Pavilion