Cinematic gems from around the world and exceptional talent: The 21st Zurich Film Festival will present a total of 114 films, among them some of the most anticipated titles of the year. Of these films, 41 will be world or European premieres. The festival takes place from September 25 - October 5. Tickets go on sale on Monday September 15.
Once again, this year's Zurich Film Festival will present eight carefully curated sections featuring suspenseful, emotional, and thought-provoking films.
«With the ZFF we want to celebrate cinema and ensure that the seventh art once again becomes a major topic in the media. We are delighted that this year, too, numerous world stars are coming to Zurich to personally present their works to the audience,» explains Christian Jungen, Director of the Zurich Film Festival. «More than a third of the 114 films in the program are world or European Premieres – we have never had such a high proportion. This shows that producers have a high level of confidence in our festival and are using it in particular to add prestige to their works for the awards season, thus laying the foundation for a successful cinema release in the German-speaking world, which, with 100 million people, is one of the most important markets for Hollywood.»
Competition: Feature film and documentary
At the Zurich Film Festival, innovative films compete in two categories for the main prize, the Golden Eye Award, endowed with 25,000 Swiss francs. The competition focuses on discovering new talent and presents only first, second and third directorial works.
In the «Feature Film Competition» 14 directors who have made their first, second, or third film are competing for the Golden Eye.
Award. «This year, the feature film competition places a special focus on films that put childhood and youth at the center – stories of young protagonists whose lives are shaped by political, family, or cultural constraints. Their freedom is restricted by authoritarian systems, rigid traditions, or parental expectations. Examples include THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE, BABYSTAR, and LEFT-HANDED GIRL. Once again, these films and their directors act as seismographs for the challenges of our world», explains Vice President Reta Guetg.
Curious looks at our lives: In the «Documentary Film Competition» the Zurich Film Festival presents brand-new works by some of the most exciting contemporary documentary filmmakers. For Anja Fröhner, Head of Program, the strength of the «Documentary Film Competition» lies in its diversity: «From a journey to the fascinating creatures of the deep sea in HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE, to a gripping portrait of a Taliban in KABUL BETWEEN PRAYERS, all the way to a poetic adaptation of memories of Kosovo in LA BEAUTÉ DE L’ÂNE. This year’s documentary film competition not only showcases a wide range of themes, but also the many different approaches our directing talents take to engage with our world cinematically.»
Star gathering in Zurich
Once again, major film personalities from around the world will travel to Zurich this year to present their latest works at the ZFF. In addition to previously announced guests of honor, including Dakota Johnson, Colin Farrell, Russell Crowe, Claire Foy, and Wagner Moura, other prominent figures will be among this year's guests of honor: Anke Engelke, Anthony Mackie, Nina Hoss, Matthias Schweighöfer, and Dylan O'Brien will appear at Sechseläutenplatz for eleven glamorous days filled with outstanding personalities.
