ZFF Summit Climber

Differentiate yourself from other junior executives and gain competitive advantage by joining the ZFF Summit Climber.

The programme will provide you with:

• A comprehensive understanding of transatlantic financing structures
• An appropriation of the rules of engagement for transatlantic collaboration
• A unique opportunity to expand your North American and European network, facilitated by introduction to Summit attendees
• Deepen your knowledge of current challenges in film sales and distribution
• Input on how to collaborate with producers

Participation in the ZFF Summit Climber is free but upon application. Eight industry talents will be selected and benefit of the ZFF Summit Climber package.

• The package for selected participants includes:
• Participation in the three-day programme
• Mentoring support from Julia Short and Beatrice Neumann during the programme
• ZFF Industry Business Accreditation for the respective Zurich Film Festival
• First-class accommodation during the programme (3 nights)
• Breakfast, selected lunches and dinners
• Invitation to numerous industry and networking events
• PLEASE NOTE: Travel expenses to and from the event must be covered by the participants themselves.

We bring the next generation of sales and distribution executives to the Zurich Summit.

Financing is one of the primary gaps in the knowledge of even very experienced executives, and it is a frequently requested topic in training programs. The collaboration with the Zurich Summit will enable the ZFF Summit Climber to close that gap, given the calibre of attendees and the collaboration with CAA. Obtaining this kind of knowledge will provide the selected participants with highly desired expertise and a competitive edge over their peers. The Zurich Film Festival aims to maximize the benefits of the excellent opportunities the Zurich Summit presents and use it as a stepping-off point for the learning they want to impart to the participants.

• Attendance of the Zurich Summit key sessions and programme at The Dolder Grand
• Breakout sessions about "How to package & finance films in North America & Europe" with high-profile Speaker
• Group sessions and briefing/debriefing
• Mentoring support during the programme from Julia Short and Beatrice Neumann 
• Social & Networking Events

Day 1: Program starts at 1 PM (expected arrival in the morning)

Day 2: Attendance of the Zurich Summit conference's key sessions and of the participants only break-out sessions

Day 3: Zurich Summit Tennis Tournament and Zurich Summit Dinner and other programme

Day 4: Departure

The ZFF Summit Climber is a talent development programme of the Zurich Film Festival. The three-day programme is aimed at emerging sales and acquisition executives. During the ZFF Summit Climber, the selected participants will, among other things, have the unique opportunity to meet with well-known personalities of the film industry and gain insights into their creative process.

The ZFF Summit Climber will take place from September 26 to September 29, 2025 as part of the Zurich Summit, the prestigious boutique conference of the Zurich Film Festival (September 25 to October 5).

• Participation in the three-day programme
• Mentoring support from Julia Short and Beatrice Neumann during the programme
• ZFF Industry Business Accreditation for the respective Zurich Film Festival
• First-class accommodation during the programme (3 nights)
• Breakfast and selected dinners
• Invitation to numerous industry and networking events
• PLEASE NOTE: Travel expenses to and from the event must be covered by the participants themselves.

The exact program varies from year to year and is tailored to the selected participants. Essentially, the program consists of the following elements:

Zurich Summit Conference

• Breakout sessions during the conference
• Masterclasses
• Group meetings
• Mentoring support
• Numerous networking events (e.g. Zurich Summit Charity Tennis Tournament and Zurich Summit Dinner).

Anyone - regardless of age, gender, race or origin, place of residence, religion or belief - can apply, provided the following criteria are met: The person applying works in acquisitions, distribution or film sales and has at least 2 years of professional experience in that role. Furthermore, the person applying must be fluent in English and have met the formal criteria of the application process.

No, the ZFF Summit Climber is reserved for junior executives from Distribution, Acquisitions and Film Sales. Producers can apply for the ZFF Academy.

No. There is no age limit.

Yes, you can re-submit an application, but please note that participation in the ZFF Summit Climber is limited to one time only.

The application process consists of two steps:

1. Prepare the necessary documents to complete the online form.
2. Complete the online form in spring 2025. You will receive the exact details via the Industry Newsletter. Sign up for it here.

You must indicate your motivation directly in the online application form. It is a good idea to plan ahead and type your answers in advance in a separate document. You can then copy them directly into the application form. Please be careful not to exceed the maximum number of characters. We will strictly read only the allowed number.

A good advice is: we don't expect you to write a novel, just try to be personal.

8 participants will be selected from all complete applications received.

Shortly after we have received your application, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt by e-mail. It is expected that by the end of August, all those who have submitted a valid application will receive feedback on the selection.