The 21st Zurich Film Festival attracted a total of 135,000 visitors. A total of 115 films were screened, including 40 World or European premieres. Stars such as Dakota Johnson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Russell Crowe, Colin Farrell, and Amanda Seyfried presented their latest films, drawing enthusiastic audiences to the green carpet and the cinema screenings. Swiss filmmaker Moris Freiburghaus won both the Golden Eye for Best Documentary and the Audience Award for his film I LOVE YOU, I LEAVE YOU.
The 21st edition of the Zurich Film Festival captivated both Zurich and the international community. From Sechseläutenplatz to the Kongresshaus, the Tonhalle to partner hotels or in one of Zurich's many cinemas, the festival inspired cinephiles and general audiences alike, welcoming a total of 135,000 visitors (including 34'000 as part of the supporting programme).
Hollywood in Zurich
This year, the Zurich Film Festival shone with an impressive lineup of international film stars and acclaimed creatives, including Dakota Johnson, Alexander Skarsgård, Anthony Mackie, Benedict Cumberbatch, Claire Foy, Russell Crowe, Colin Farrell, Wagner Moura, Noah Baumbach, Amanda Seyfried, Matthias Schweighöfer, James McAvoy, Anke Engelke, Dylan O’Brien, Marco Odermatt, Hildur Guðnadóttir, Christian Petzold, Ella Rumpf, Vincent Macaigne, and Edward Berger.
They all showcased new films, lending the festival an added glow on the green carpet.
The event also made headlines with memorable displays of athleticism: Russell Crowe competing in the Zurich Summit tennis tournament at the Dolder, Wagner Moura dancing on the green carpet, Franjo von Allmen executing a daring flip in the Glambot, Colin Farrell relaxing in the sauna, and a festival jury that spontaneously took a refreshing swim in Lake Zurich.
«For 11 days, Zurich was immersed in film fever; the cinemas were packed, and many world stars personally presented their new works, feeling very much at home with us», explains Festival Director Christian Jungen. «We are extremely pleased with this edition, which has achieved a level of international prominence never seen before. At the ZFF, new talents can be discovered in the competitions, and in the Gala Premieres section in autumn, audiences have the chance to see films and stars who later go on to win Oscars. This unique combination is highly appreciated by audiences, partners, and the press alike.»
With thanks to Zurich and our partners
A heartfelt thank you goes to the people of Zurich and the city itself, as well as to all partners and helpers. «I found the Zurich Film Festival to be impressive and consistently positive at every venue. The beneficial impact on gastronomy, hospitality, and tourism was especially tangible. My thanks and congratulations go not only to our Festival Director Christian Jungen but to the entire team, our sponsors, donors, patrons, and volunteers for their tremendous dedication. Long live the big screen, long live the cinema!» said Doris Fiala, the new President of the ZFF.
Zurich Summit and ZFF Competition
The Zurich Summit made headlines worldwide with the panel «Beyond Imagination: Creativity in the Age of AI.» Media outlets such as The Washington Post, BBC, CNN, Variety, The Guardian, SRF, NZZ, and Blick covered the discussion on the opportunities and risks of AI in the film industry. With around 1,800 international contributions, the Summit has solidified its role as the «Davos of the film industry.»
Leon Schwitter, Dino Brandão, Moris Freiburghaus and Ramón Königshausen in the Zurich Opera House © Fabienne Wild for ZFF
At this year’s Award Night at the Zurich Opera House, a film was screened for the first time alongside the award ceremony. The closing film’s star guest was James McAvoy, who presented his directorial debut CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN’ to the Zurich audience. The following main ZFF awards were presented:
Best Feature Film: FATHER by Tereza Nvotová
Best Documentary: I LOVE YOU, I LEAVE YOU by Moris Freiburghaus
Swiss director Moris Freiburghaus was honored with two awards for I LOVE YOU, I LEAVE YOU, notably becoming the first Swiss filmmaker to be awarded the Golden Eye in the documentary competition. The moving film, which explores friendship, mental health, and family bonds, deeply resonated with both the jury and the audience. The jury expressed their profound admiration, stating:
«We have never seen anything quite like this. Moris Freiburghaus’ courageous directorial debut, in which he documents his best friend’s struggle with manic episodes over the course of a year, offers an unvarnished look at mental illness and the unbreakable ties of friendship and family.»
At the award ceremony, the film’s protagonist Dino Brandão thanked the festival and audience, saying: «I want to thank the festival for choosing our film. And I want to thank the public. This is a very personal film — and it's good that softness is worth a prize.»
In addition to the main award, the film also received a special mention from the ZFF Critics’ Jury as well as the Audience Award. With these honors, I LOVE YOU, I LEAVE YOU stands among the major winners of this year’s Zurich Film Festival.
