The Living Classroom
Press materials, biography, and contact for editors, media, and TV.
Request Press Kit →The Living Classroom — in three sentences.
Timo Götz and Salima Oudefel film together. Equal co-directors — since their very first journey.
Their first journey resulted in "On the Way — When Encounters Change Everything", which ran in over 40 cinemas across Germany. The second journey of two years led to "The Long Way Around". Both films were made on the road — in real encounters, without a script.
Since late October 2025 they are on the road again. This time with their three daughters (10, 6, and 3 years old). In their own camper. On a route that keeps changing.
The children travel with an official leave of absence from school for the duration of the journey. The school actively supports the trip. Timo and Salima teach the core subjects themselves. The rest the world teaches them.
The goal of this journey is not a point on the map. It is a decision: to give the children, for a conscious and limited phase, direct immersion in other ways of life.
Coverage of our journey and our films
On the Way — When Encounters Change Everything
128 minutes. German documentary. A journey through Asia — and how real encounters change two people forever. Cinema premiere 2022. Over 40 cinemas across Germany.
The Long Way Around
118 minutes. German documentary. A journey that became a nightmare — and still turned into the most beautiful experience of their lives. Cinema premiere 2024.
The Living Classroom — The Film
In production. On the road in a self-converted camper — one family, an open route, a world full of encounters. Expected 2027.
Get in touch.
For interview requests, photography, and press kits. We respond within 24 hours.