On April 5, 2025, the documentary Ganz: How I Lost My Beetle was shown at the Rex cinema in Bern, Switzerland. The screening drew an engaged audience and was followed by a compelling discussion featuring NZZ journalist Daniel Di Falco, automotive historian and author Paul Schilperoord, and Josef Ganz’s relative Lorenz Schmid.
The event shed light on the untold story of Josef Ganz, the visionary engineer whose innovative designs in the early 1930s laid the groundwork for the Volkswagen Beetle—a legacy that history nearly erased. The film, directed by Suzanne Raes, brings new attention to Ganz’s life, work, and the injustices he faced.
You can watch the full post-screening discussion with Daniel Di Falco, Paul Schilperoord, and Lorenz Schmid on the RexBern website.
Stay tuned for future events and updates related to Josef Ganz and efforts to restore his rightful place in automotive history.
