Who we are

The ZFF brings great cinema to Zurich once a year when it's curtains up for some 100 film gems from around the globe, all of which are presented personally by the film's makers and stars. The majority of films screen as world or European premieres, all are Swiss premieres at the very least. You get to see films at the ZFF in the autumn that go on to win Oscars half a year later.

With its commitment to young talent, the ZFF also provides a stage for the most promising new filmmakers from around the world and promotes exchange between up-and-coming directors, established filmmakers, the film industry and the general public. The goal: To bring first-class cinema experiences ever closer to audiences, to inspire even more people – and to be the home of talent for the stars of tomorrow.

The Zurich Film Festival took place for the first time in October 2005. The founders Karl Spoerri and Nadja Schildknecht served as co-directors of the festival until 2019. Today, the ZFF is headed by Christian Jungen, Artistic Director of the Zurich Film Festival, and Roger Crotti, President of the Zurich Film Festival and Managing Director of Spoundation Motion Picture AG. The comparatively young festival has become the second largest film festival in the German-speaking world and it was listed among the Guardian's top 10 best European film festivals

• 20th ZFF: October 3–October 13, 2024
• 21st ZFF: September 25–October 5, 2025