Tiny Family Laura & Paul
An interview with documentary filmmaker Laura Rindlisbacher and her grandfather Paul Grau.
Laura and Paul in his apartment in the city of Zurich
It's always nice when two puzzle pieces fit together: I met Laura (Lolo) and her grandfather Paul independently of each other. Lolo made a wonderful video about me and 'The Tiny' for Bexio, and I regularly meet Paul and his wife Sabine (Bine) on our evening dog walks. I immediately grew fond of them all with their open and cheerful nature. When we met for the interview, Bine handed me a glass of champagne. Her lifestyle is a true example of how stylish life can be. ☺︎
Sibylle: Dear Lolo, what is your relationship with your grandfather?
Laura: I grew up mostly with my grandparents, so our relationship is very deep. My grandfather and I have always had a special and close bond. He has always given the family, and he is my safe haven. Through him, I understand what unconditional love means. I believe being able to experience that has given me a lot of support for my life, and I hope I can pass it on. My grandparents are certainly not like those in a book. They are two crazy birds who danced the night away at the wildest parties—but that's exactly what I love about them.
What makes it special for you?
My grandfather is special. To me, he's one of the coolest guys ever. He's done everything in his life—amazing and crazy things, and probably some stupid things too—but it's precisely through these experiences that he can pass on so much. He was always honest. He's one of the most generous people, never expecting anything in return. And he's a doer! He's implemented all his plans and is still doing so today. That makes me incredibly proud!
Do you both celebrate a certain ritual?
This was especially true in the early days: When I was a small child and couldn't fall asleep and had nightmares, I would hook my arm through his and we would choose an imaginary place together. It could be anywhere in the world! Something we still enjoy doing today: watching old Disney movies together on a rainy day.
The best advice from your grandfather that you have internalized is...?
There are countless! My grandfather was and still is a busy businessman. He's run a TV station for over 27 years. That was particularly intense during the start-up phase. But no matter how busy he was, family was always the most important thing. He always had time and an ear for me, no matter how busy things were. Today, we define ourselves so much by our work that we often forget what's truly important. He taught me that: that you should just close your laptop sometimes and enjoy time with the people you love.
How would you describe him in one sentence?
Paul is like an old, wise tree. His branches reach far, and his shade provides comfort. I hope I can carry a little of his strength and wisdom on my path through life. I am very grateful that he planted my roots so deeply in the earth. He taught me that I can fly, even if he can't be my wings.
A lot! I laugh a lot—and very loudly, or so people say. My grandmother with her cheeky sayings, my little sister because she's just funny, and my best friend Katha. Even if we've just cried, we usually start laughing again five minutes later.
Sabine 'Bine', the former film cutter, with her granddaughter Laura in front of her DVD collection
What film project are you currently working on?
I'm currently shooting a documentary about a court case in the US. It's about Happy, the elephant who has been forced to live in a very small space at the Bronx Zoo for over 40 years, and for the last 16 of those years she's been completely alone in her enclosure. Elephants are very social and intelligent creatures. Now a lawyer has brought her case to court, arguing that Happy is a highly intelligent being and has a right to freedom. The case raises many fascinating questions, particularly about our relationship with nature and the animal world and their status in our legal system. Currently, the law only distinguishes between "things" and "persons." Only as a person does one have a right. The case questions precisely this: Can an elephant be a "person" who has the right to decide on its own freedom?
The documentary filmmaker sometimes works around the clock
What do laypeople often underestimate about your job?
The countless hours and energy that go into it. Every time I make a film, I feel like I'm giving a piece of my soul to the world. On the one hand, that's very beautiful, but on the other, it makes you vulnerable. Making films is something very personal.
Three things that touch your heart are...?
The sea, people and their stories, and life with all its wonders that we encounter every day.
What is your morning ritual?
I start my day with breathing exercises and meditation. It's like brushing my teeth for me. Then I either go for a half-hour jog or do yoga. I love starting my day in nature and with exercise. Afterward, I sit down at the table, preferably with my boyfriend Flurin, drink tea, and talk about the day ahead. Of course, a bowl of granola is a must!
How do you like to eat your granola?
I love it with coconut yogurt or coconut milk and berries. In the summer, I like to combine the classic granola with a smoothie and sip it straight from the jar.
What sets our granola apart from others? What's so special about it?
I lived in Australia for five years. The food culture there is incredibly good. There are many small businesses and brands that make very high-quality and beautiful products. When I returned to Switzerland, it was a culture shock on many levels – also because such products are hard to find here. When I discovered the granola from Tiny Factory, I was absolutely thrilled; it reminded me of their products. The granola is made with so much attention to detail – from the packaging to the presentation. You can taste it in every single bite. For me, it's the best there is!
