ZFF in a Nutshell

The 21st Zurich Film Festival will take place from September 25 to October 5, 2025.

In 2025, the Zurich Film Festival once again offers more than just film: in addition to a carefully curated international film program, audiences can look forward to a wide range of talks, masterclasses, and events featuring renowned guests from the world of cinema.

The popular ZFF Masters and ZFF Talks will once again bring inspiring personalities to Zurich – in recent years, these have included the likes of Kate Winslet, Johnny Depp, and Sebastian Stan. The festival also presents exclusive workshops, emotional award ceremonies with international talents, and unforgettable highlights such as the highly anticipated Opening Night and the glamorous Award Night.

With over 100 films and numerous events, the ZFF is the second-largest film festival in the German-speaking world – a key fixture on Europe’s cultural calendar.

Program Release: September 11, 2025
Start of Ticket Pre-Sale: September 15, 2025

Film sections

Side Events

ZFF Masters

The ZFF Masters are among the highlights of the Zurich Film Festival, offering audiences a rare opportunity to gain insight into the world of international filmmaking. In moderated conversations, renowned guests from directing, acting, screenwriting, and production share their career journeys, creative processes, and sources of inspiration.

Personal anecdotes, industry experiences, and reflections on the craft make each masterclass a truly unique experience. The events are free and open to the public, welcoming film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone curious to learn more about the people behind the films.

Dates, venues, and guests of the ZFF Masters will be announced in the official festival program.

ZFF Talks

The ZFF Talks are a central format of the Zurich Film Festival, offering the general public free access to current debates in film, culture, science, and politics. Experts and prominent guests discuss pressing issues of our time, provide insights into creative processes, and shed light on social developments.

These talks create space for dialogue, promote understanding of complex topics, and enrich the festival program with meaningful depth. All events and speakers will be announced in the official program.

ZFF Daily

Internationaler Filmmusikwettbewerb (IFMW)

The International Film Music Competition is an integral part of the Zurich Film Festival and ranks among the most important platforms for emerging composers worldwide. In collaboration with the Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zürich and Forum Filmmusik, the ZFF offers rising talents the opportunity to present an original score for a selected short film.

The top three compositions are chosen by an international jury and performed live by the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich under the baton of Frank Strobel at the Tonhalle Zürich. Following the performances, the Golden Eye for Best International Film Music is awarded.

This competition highlights the vital role of music in film, gives visibility to creative voices from around the globe, and creates a unique connection between the festival, its audience, and the orchestra. With the IFMW, the ZFF further strengthens its position as a cultural hub for film, music, and talent development.

IFMW