Swiss Comedy with a Serious Note: World Premiere of TYPISCH EMIL and Lifetime Achievement Award for Emil Steinberger

The excitement was palpable when the Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony got underway after a short delay. As the greatest cabaret artist in Swiss history and actor in the film DIE SCHWEIZERMACHER, Emil is still the absolute favorite of Swiss and German audiences alike. 'You have given us so much, you have made us laugh and today you are receiving a Golden Eye for that,' said Christian Jungen, Artistic Director of the Zurich Film Festival, in recognition of Emil's livetime achievement. But before Emil was presented with the Golden Eye, Charlie Chaplin's son Eugene Chaplin took to the stage as a surprise guest. 'Thank you for what you are and for giving us so much pleasure', said Chaplin - words that expressed the feelings of many at the cinema.

In his acceptance speech, the Lucerne native joked quite authentically: 'With the hustle and bustle here, it's almost impossible to catch your breath.' As he took a look at the Golden Eye, he added with smirk: 'That reminds me: I have an appointment with the opthalmologist next Monday. I'll take this with me.' With this mixture of humor, authenticity and palpable joy about the award, the festival and the film premiere, he captivated the entire audience - just typical Emil.

Afterwards, the documentary TYPISCH EMIL was shown for the very first time. Emil's wife, Niccel Steinberger, confessed in her speech: 'I am totally touched and my heart is suddenly beating very fast.' Director Phil Meyer emphasized that this film is a joint effort. Emil also spoke about the jigsaw puzzle that this film posed in his ZFF Master on Friday afternoon. He described that each person involved is a little different and he thinks that it ended up being a good combination.

The film features old and new footage of the cabaret artist on stage, supplemented by interviews with companions and personal stories from the artist himself. The film offers insights into the creation of his famous sketches, his sources of inspiration and the motivation that keeps him going. But the less easy aspects of his life are also discussed: Emil openly talks about the lack of support from his parents and the challenges of his profession. Despite everything, he remains optimistic: 'sometimes you just have to dare and stay invested and then it will work out.'