Art as an expression of personality, experience and passion – the documentary Zeppelin oben rechts takes us into Atelier23 of the care service centre Lebenshilfe Gießen, which functions as a creative retreat for seven unconventional artists. Director Olli Duerr has followed them for years – from first brushstrokes, during intense creative processes, and finally to the presentation of their works in the inclusive gallery Galerie23.

Omitting any commentary, but not sparing any details, the film allows the artists to speak for themselves. We meet Andreas Kuhl, whose photographs profess a fascination with utility poles and train tracks. Birgit Gigler paints colourful portraits of women, while Jens Bleckmann creates meticulous, almost architectural drawings with fine liner. Uwe Breckner builds miniature fairground rides, Lena Kasperski works on detailed linoleum cuts, Mirka Holsteinová on expressive aquarelles, and Eric Kosuch whisks us away into the world of prehistorical animals.

With great intimacy and authenticity Zeppelin oben rechts succeeds to not only make the art but also the people behind it tangible – funny, intense and absolutely worth a watch.