Film submissions for the 21st Zurich Film Festival are open until June 30, 2025. We are looking forward to many exciting films.
We accept submissions for the following sections:
Competitions
The Golden Eye endowed with a CHF 25'000 cash prize will be awarded in each of the two categories (Feature Film and Documentary Competition) by two separate juries. The cash endowment is to be shared equally between director and producer of winning films in both categories. Winning films with Swiss distribution further profit from P&A contribution for a theatrical release in Switzerland.
Competition Entry Requirements
Submissions to the competition must fulfill the following criteria:
- Director’s 1st, 2nd or 3rd feature-length film (> 60 min)
- Projects completed after October 1, 2024
- Minimum status requirement: Swiss Premiere at ZFF
The Golden Eye endowed with a CHF 25'000 cash prize will be awarded in each of the two categories (Feature Film and Documentary Competition) by two separate juries. The cash endowment is to be shared equally between director and producer of winning films in both categories. Winning films with Swiss distribution further profit from P&A contribution for a theatrical release in Switzerland.
Competition Entry Requirements
Submissions to the competition must fulfill the following criteria:
- Director’s 1st, 2nd or 3rd feature-length film (> 60 min)
- Projects completed after October 1, 2024
- Minimum status requirement: Swiss Premiere at ZFF
Out of Competition
The Gala Premieres section presents this year’s most highly anticipated films.
Out of Competition Requirements
Submissions to the Out of Competition sections must fulfill the following criteria:
- Films must be at least 60 minutes long
- Projects completed after October 1, 2024
- Minimum status requirement: Swiss Premiere at ZFF
We present a selection of unique and innovative feature and documentary films in the Signatures section
Out of Competition Requirements
Submissions to the Out of Competition sections must fulfill the following criteria:
- Films must be at least 60 minutes long
- Projects completed after October 1, 2024
- Minimum status requirement: Swiss Premiere at ZFF
The Hashtag section is dedicated to films that focus on current topics and themes that dominate conversations around the world. Various Feature and Documentary Films that shine a light on the issue from different angles will be presented. So far, the focus has been on the following topics:
#BigCityLife (2024) #Masculinity (2023) | #MyReligion (2022) | #letSEXplore (2021) | #GetUpStandUp (2020) | #SpeakingTheTruth (2019) | #BigData (2018)
Out of Competition Requirements
Submissions to the Out of Competition sections must fulfill the following criteria:
- Films must be at least 60 minutes long
- Projects completed after October 1, 2024
- Minimum status requirement: Swiss Premiere at ZFF
The Border Lines section presents films dealing with border situations occurring in present-day world conditions, and humanitarian projects, territorial and social conflicts, and conflicts between individuals and the state.
Out of Competition Requirements
Submissions to the Out of Competition sections must fulfill the following criteria:
- Films must be at least 60 minutes long
- Projects completed after October 1, 2024
- Minimum status requirement: Swiss Premiere at ZFF
The Sounds section celebrates the relationship between film and music in all its diverse aspects. Since always film history has been closely linked to music, and that's exactly where "Sounds" wants to latch on. With an exquisite selection of feature and documentary films, for once the soundtrack takes center stage - whether the film shines its light on musicians, captivates with exceptional film music, or deals with the topic of sound in a very fundamental way. The program is complemented by two special screenings: One accompanied by live music and one with a live commentary by the film composer (out of competition).
Out of Competition Requirements
Submissions to the Out of Competition sections must fulfill the following criteria:
- Films must be at least 60 minutes long
- Projects completed after October 1, 2024
- Minimum status requirement: Swiss Premiere at ZFF
In the ZFF for Kids section, outstanding children's and family films from around the world are screened. The films are shown in their original version and are spoken live in German on site. In addition to the Audience Award, which is determined by the entire children's audience, a new 30-member children's jury is formed each year to award its prize.
The ZFF also offers a program for children during the year consisting of workshops and cinema films.
Out of Competition Requirements
Submissions to the Out of Competition sections must fulfill the following criteria:
- Films must be at least 60 minutes long
- Projects completed after October 1, 2024
- Minimum status requirement: Swiss Premiere at ZFF
FAQs
The 21st Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) will take place from September 25 to October 5, 2025.
No, unfortunately not. All submitted films must be at least 60 minutes long.
Yes. The competition comprises of the following two categories:
- Feature Film Competition
- Documentary Competition
No. There is no section for series at the 21st Zurich Film Festival.
All film submissions to ZFF must be made via the FilmFreeway. To create a FilmFreeway account and submit your film to ZFF, please visit the FilmFreeway website.
You may submit as many films as you like providing each film meets the submission criteria and requirements. Please ensure that each film is on its own secure link.
Yes, ZFF does accept Works in Progress submission. But films must be at least in picture lock stage. Please label clearly what’s in progress (e.g. Colour grading etc.). Pleaes be aware that the films must ultimately finished for the festival dates (incl. creation of a DCP with subtitles).
We will email the main contact of the submission via email no later than the end of August. As we administer a vast number of submissions, we ask that you please be patient with hearing from us.
The FilmFreeway account is free. A one-time submission fee applies for ZFF:
- Early Bird (until March 30): $70 (FilmFreeway Gold Members: $60)
- Regular Deadline (until June 30): $100 (FilmFreeway Gold Members: $90)
