Series premiere, ski cinema, and star appearances—that was Day 7 at the 21st ZFF

The seventh day of the 21st ZFF was filled with special moments: the second season of the RTR series L'ULTIM RUMANTSCH premiered, and directors Nia DaCosta and Hildur Guðnadóttir presented their film HEDDA. Marco Odermatt returned to the festival with DOWNHILL SKIERS, and Alexander Skarsgård made an appearance with PILLION.

Yesterday's kickoff on the Green Carpet featured the second season of the Swiss series L'ULTIM RUMANTSCH. Festival Director Christian Jungen and Vice Festival Director Reta Guetg welcomed both the cast and crew on the sunny Sechseläutenplatz. Then, the filmmakers of the RTR production presented their second season to the Swiss audience at the Corso.

Eine Collage aus vier Fotos zeigt Gruppen von Menschen am Zurich Film Festival, die auf einem roten Teppich posieren, sich im Freien auf grünem Rasen versammeln, auf der Bühne stehen und sich in einer sonnenbeschienenen Umgebung im Freien unterhalten.

© Joshua Sammer, Jonas Wiemann, Ruxandra Balea, Andreas Rentz

HEDDA celebrates its European premiere with director Nia DaCosta and composer Hildur Guðnadóttir

Director Nia DaCosta traveled to the 21st ZFF with Oscar winner Hildur Guðnadóttir to present her new drama, Hedda. «Hedda is the main character. She is a very exciting person, and her journey through the play — and what Ibsen wanted to show, as I understand it — reflects what he probably observed in many women of his time: women who feel confined and are looking for a way out,» said DaCosta about the complex protagonist, Hedda Gabler.

Afterwards, the two celebrated the European premiere of HEDDA at the Kongresshaus with the audience.

Eine Collage aus drei Fotos vom Zurich Film Festival: links posieren drei Personen auf einem nächtlichen grünen Teppich; oben rechts steht eine Frau vor einer Festivalkulisse; unten rechts lächeln sich zwei Frauen an.

On October 2, Hildur Guðnadóttir will chair the jury of the International Film Music Competition. This evening, she will be honored with the Career Achievement Award for her outstanding film music.

Swiss ski stars thrill audiences with DOWNHILL SKIERS

Eine Gruppe von dreizehn Männern in formellen und halbformellen Kleidern posiert gemeinsam auf dem grünen Teppich des Zurich Film Festival vor einem Hintergrund mit Logos und der Aufschrift "ZFF2025".

Another Swiss highlight was the premiere of DOWNHILL SKIERS. Seven international ski stars traveled to Zurich for the film's presentation and caused much excitement on the green carpet, where the athletes were warmly welcomed by numerous ski fans. For Swiss ski racer Marco Odermatt, this is the second documentary film featuring him as the protagonist to be shown at the ZFF. Odermatt commented on his motivation for being part of this documentary as follows: «It allows us to show everyone what ski racing is really about — the risks that ski racers take and how hard they work to be ready at the start.»

PILLION with Alexander Skarsgård

Nebeneinander stehende Bilder eines Mannes, der ein cremefarbenes Hemd mit schwarz-weißem Aufdruck und eine graue Hose trägt, auf einem grünen Teppich steht und bei einer Veranstaltung im Freien für die Kameras posiert.

Three days ago, director Harry Lighton presented PILLION at the ZFF. Yesterday, actor Alexander Skarsgård arrived in Zurich as well. The film tells the story of Colin (Harry Melling), a reclusive man whose life changes when he meets Ray (Skarsgård), the mysterious leader of a queer motorcycle club.

The Swedish actor was greeted with great enthusiasm by his fan base. On the Green Carpet, Skarsgård said that he particularly enjoyed working with the GBMCC members who were also in the film. «They played an important role in shaping the group scenes, especially the dynamic between my character, Ray, and the other bikers. It was nice and reassuring to have the guys with us throughout the shoot,» Skarsgård said.

You can find more impressions of the day here.