Mission

The aim of the Zurich Film Festival is to offer audiences an insight into the work of the most promising filmmakers from around the globe and to promote the exchange of ideas between established film workers, creative talent and the public. Emerging directors have the opportunity to present their films to the wide attention of the entire German-language market. Participants come from all over the world and include both rising and renowned filmmakers as well as buyers, sellers, distributors, media professionals and industry leaders.

• ZFF presents the most promising international new filmmakers
• ZFF provides the n.1 platform for a film release in the German speaking market in the fall
• ZFF creates a unique networking platform bringing together industry players, creative talent and a big audience.

The international competition wittnesses uprising filmmakers competing for the coveted Golden Eye – the festival’s main award. In addition to the competition, we also present the latest films by renowned filmmakers as exclusive "Gala Premieres". Furthermore, the "New World View" series focuses upon the current cinematic oeuvre of a certain film region. "Border Lines" is a section dedicated to films dealing with border situations such as territorial, social and individual conflicts. Numerous side events, such as the "Zurich Master Class", the "Film Finance Forum" or the GST film market "ZFF Filmboutique" complete the festival programme.

The Zurich Film Festival began in October 2005 and became firmly established upon the national and international festival landscape within a very short period of time. The festival continues to grow rapidly. In 2012, about 58'000 visitors and 507 accredited journalists attended the screenings.