Samuel Schwarz, born in Bern, studied directing and acting at the Zurich University of the Arts and founded the independent group 400asa in 1999, which distinguished itself with political projects in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Since 2006 400asa also produces films, most recently Mary&Johnny and Polder. 2009 foundation of 400asa Sektion Nord, together with Claudia Basrawi and Ted Gaier.