A Strong Lineup of International Films and High-Profile Guests

The Zurich Film Festival boasts a strong lineup of international films, among them Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” and Emerald Fennell’s “Saltburn,” and high-profile guests that include Jessica Chastain, Diane Kruger, Ethan Hawke, Todd Haynes and Wim Wenders.

A Record Number of World and European Premieres

The ZFF this year screens a record number of world and European premieres — 52 from a total of 148. Another 52 films are debut works. “This high number reflects the ZFF’s growing reputation in the global film industry,” says ZFF artistic director Christian Jungen. “The Zurich Film Festival is the perfect festival to boost the prestige of films for the upcoming award season.”

Highlighting German-Language Works

The ZFF is also a key platform for German-language works, Jungen notes. “It’s important for us to have world premieres of big German productions, such as ‘Stella. A Life.’”

Exploring World War II and the Alps in German Films

Kilian Riedhof’s World War II film tells the fact-based story of a young Jewish woman in Berlin who, in trying to survive and save herself and her parents from deportation to Auschwitz, is forced by the Gestapo to betray other Jews, including her friends. “It’s a very moving film because she is both a victim and a perpetrator,” Jungen says.

Another big German-language screener is Hans Steinbichler’s “A Whole Life,” an adaptation of Robert Seethaler’s bestselling novel. “It’s about a man growing up in the Alps and also a reflection of how the Alps changed with tourism. That’s something that resonates particularly well in Switzerland.”

International Highlight: Nicolas Cage in “Dream Scenario”

A major international highlight, adds Jungen, is the opening night film, Kristoffer Borgli’s “Dream Scenario,” starring Nicolas Cage. “Cinema is like a seismograph that registers the trends in society, what we are talking about, what concerns us, and the impact of social media on the daily life of regular people is definitely a big topic.”

Spotlight on South Korean Cinema

South Korean cinema is the focus of the fest’s New World View section, which highlights countries experiencing a cinematic renaissance. “There has been a new wave of talent and quality for 10, 15 years now,” says Jungen.

Tribute to Industry Leaders

On the industry side, the ZFF is paying tribute to Fred Kogel, CEO of Munich-based entertainment group Leonine Studios, and Swiss producer Michel Merkt, whose recent works include Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning “Triangle of Sadness.”

The Zurich Summit: Industry Discussions on Pressing Issues

The Zurich Summit, the ZFF’s largest industry event, will again be taking the pulse of the industry with day-long discussions on some of the most pressing issues facing the entertainment sector.

“A hot topic we’re going to discuss is, are film festivals drifting away from what works in theaters?” Film festivals should promote films and also help their theatrical performance, Jungen adds.

Another timely topic will be “how to bring back positive vibes to an industry that needs healing, that needs deals, that needs to end strikes.”