Coming Home: A Celebration of Place and Memory

Coming Home: A Celebration of Place and Memory

Time: Doors open at 12:00 PM | Film screening at 1:30 PM | Discussion at 3:30 PM

Join us at Switzerland @ Pier 17 in San Francisco for a family-friendly afternoon celebrating Swiss culture and the themes of home and belonging, centered around the exhibition. This special event offers a mix of engaging activities, a classic film screening, and an insightful discussion on the concept of home.

Event Highlights:

• Swiss Traditions & Activities – Enjoy fun-filled experiences, including a Heidi costume contest, Swiss games, a photo booth, and live Alphorn music.
• Film Screening – Watch the beloved classic Heidi (1937), directed by Allan Dwan and starring Shirley Temple, and immerse yourself in this timeless tale of home and resilience.
• Discussion with Verner Soler – Join a thought-provoking conversation with Verner Soler, Artistic Director at Saatchi & Saatchi, as he explores themes of identity, migration, and belonging through his photo book Home through an Emigrant’s Lens.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Please select tickets for each attendee, including children. When registering, select the parts of the event you plan to attend (Film Screening, Discussion, or Both)
For any questions, please contact: [email protected]

About Verner Soler
Verner Soler is an artist living in Los Angeles. He grew up in the small village of Vrin in the Swiss Alps. In 1990, after graduating as an elementary school teacher, he moved to Los Angeles, where he gradually reinvented himself as a creative in the advertising world. Over the years, he studied photography at Santa Monica College and the Julia Dean School of Photography, as well as fi lm, television, and writing at UCLA Extension. His creative purpose is centered on long-term photographic projects that focus on themes of family and culture.

About Heidi (1937)
The 1937 film Heidi, directed by Allan Dwan and starring Shirley Temple, is a beloved adaptation of Johanna Spyri’s classic novel. Set in the breathtaking Swiss Alps, the film tells the heartwarming story of Heidi, an orphan girl who is sent to live with her reclusive grandfather. As she brings warmth and joy into his life, Heidi’s journey takes unexpected turns, leading her to Frankfurt, where she faces new challenges. Filled with themes of home, belonging, and resilience, Heidi remains a timeless tale that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.

Info: Fun-filled family activities, Swiss games, a cheerful photo booth, and live Alphorn music.

Info: Prepare yourself for an Heidi costume contest! You can come dressed as characters from the movie, such as Heidi, Grandfather, or Peter the Goat Herder.

Info: Gather together for a special screening of the beloved classic "Heidi", directed by Allan Dwan and starring Shirley Temple.

Info: Join an inspiring conversation with Verner Soler, Photographer and Artistic Director at Saatchi & Saatchi in Los Angeles, who will discuss his photo book "Home through an Emigrant’s Lens" and share his reflections on homeland.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Swissnex in San Francisco @Switzerland at Pier 17, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, United States