Asghar Farhadi

Sunday, September 23, 17.00, Filmpodium

Born 1972 in Iran, Asghar Farhadi’s breakthrough came with the family drama ABOUT ELLY, which brought him a Silver Bear at the 2009 Berlinale. His next project, the highly acclaimed marital drama A SEPARATION, won the 2011 Berlinale’s main award and the 2012 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In his Public Zurich Master Class, Asghar Farhadi discusses his work as an author, director and producer. What are the greatest challenges facing an Iranian filmmaker? What can film contribute to the East-West intercultural dialogue? 

Jerry Weintraub

Monday, September 24, 18.30, Filmpodium

Jerry Weintraub is one of Hollywood’s most influential producers. As an agent, manager and concert organiser, Weintraub worked with such greats as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, before turning to the film business as a producer. His biggest successes include films such as NASHVILLE, THE KARATE KID and the OCEAN’s trilogy. In his Public Zurich Master Class, Jerry Weintraub talks about his work: What in his eyes makes a great producer? What criteria does he use to choose his projects? What does his motto „be willing to be lucky“ mean in terms of his work and his life?    

Tom Tykwer

Friday, September 28, 18.30, Filmpodium

Tom Tykwer became known in the mid-nineties with his film RUN LOLA RUN. He has since realised numerous international successes, including such films as the screen adaptation of Süsskind’s PERFUME and the thriller THE INTERNATIONAL. His latest project CLOUD ATLAS, created in collaboration with MATRIX makers Lana and Andy Wachowski, will hit cinemas this November. In his Public Zurich Master Class, Tom Tykwer discusses his work as a director and producer, and tells of his experiences in America, Africa and Europe. 

Frank Darabont

Saturday, September 29, 15.00, Filmpodium

Screenwriter and director Frank Darabont is known not least for his 7-time Oscar nominated prison drama THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, based on a short story by Stephen King. His fruitful collaboration with Stephen King culminated in two further film successes: THE GREEN MILE and THE MIST. His latest work, the TV series L.A. Noir, will be broadcast in 2013. In his Public Zurich Master Class, Jury President Frank Darabont discusses his films and his work as a screenwriter and director. What subjects interest him? How did he get into writing? What fascinates him about cinema/TV?