These films are being shown at «ZFF for Kids»

Attention, film fans of all ages! This year, once again, we will be showing ten films for our youngest attendees at the 21st Zurich Film Festival from September 25 to October 5. From detective adventures and action-packed car chases to extraordinary friendships, this year's program has something for everyone. The «ZFF for Kids»-program is supported by UBS.

At the Zurich Film Festival, our goal is not just to show films, but also to inspire a passion for cinema. That's why we are presenting ten children's and youth films for young fans aged 4 to 14. To ensure that everyone can enjoy the excitement, the films will be shown in their original language and, if not in German, will be live-dubbed on site.

DER PRANK
Ages 10+

Fünf Personen, darunter drei Kinder und zwei Erwachsene, stehen lächelnd und lachend in einem Hauseingang. Die Szene spielt in einem Innenraum mit Glasfenstern an den Türen, die eine warme, einladende Atmosphäre schaffen. Ein Kind hält ein Telefon in der Hand und sieht aufgeregt aus.

Once a year, anything goes: Chinese exchange student Xi Zhou's seemingly harmless April Fools' Day joke turns Lucas's life and that of his family completely upside down. A switched pizza box full of money sets off an exciting and comedic story in which the two boys not only skip school, flee from the police, and steal a car, but also take on a dangerous mafia gang. Lucas, his heartthrob Charly, and Xi embark on a wild chase through the big city. They soon realize that in order to clean up the mess they've made, they need one last PRANK.

THE SECRET FLOOR
Ages 10+

Drei Kinder stehen in einem schicken Raum mit Marmorsäulen und eleganten Lampen. Das Mädchen in der Mitte trägt ein rotes Kleid und eine Strickjacke, während die beiden Jungen links und rechts von ihr Freizeitkleidung tragen. Sie scheinen alle zu lächeln.

When twelve-year-old Karli moves into an old Alpine hotel, he discovers a mysterious elevator: a hidden portal that transports him more than 80 years into the past, back to the year 1938. There, he befriends Hannah, a Jewish girl, and Georg, a shoe shine boy. When Georg is suddenly accused of theft, the children work together to solve a mysterious secret, during which the effects of National Socialism become gradually clearer to them. In the form of a detective adventure, this film sensitively tells a story of friendship, and provides important insights into the history of World War II.

THE LAST WHALE SINGER
Ages 4+

Zwei animierte Wale springen unter blauem Himmel aus dem Meer; in der Gischt bildet sich ein Regenbogen, und ein grüner Fisch springt zwischen ihnen hindurch. Im Hintergrund schweben flauschige Wolken.

Vincent, a young humpback whale, is the orphaned son of the last whale singer, whose mystical song once protected the oceans. When a monstrous creature breaks free from a melting iceberg and threatens marine life, Vincent needs to find his own song to stop it. Consumed by self-doubt, he embarks on a perilous journey into the deep sea, hoping to somehow bring his lost parents back. With the help of his friends, Vincent has to confront his fears to save the oceans. THE LAST WHALE SINGER is an epic story about grief, friendship, and bravery.

STITCH HEAD
Ages 6+

Ein großes, orangefarbenes, einäugiges Monster mit blau gestreiften Armen steht hinter einem kleinen, besorgten Kind mit blasser Haut und großen Augen in einem Raum mit Steinwänden. Das Monster trägt eine grüne Weste und eine lila Hose; ein Schwanz liegt auf dem Boden.

In einem Schlosslabor hoch über dem Städtchen Rafferskaff erweckt der verrückteste aller Professoren monströse und zugleich liebenswerte Kreationen zum Leben. Seine erste Erfindung, Stichkopf, hat er jedoch längst vergessen. Dabei ist er der Einzige, der sich um die Burg und die ganzen Monster kümmert. Denn wer sonst beschützt die Monster, die sich vor den Menschen im Dorf fürchten? Als der mysteriöse Zirkusdirektor Fulbert Freakfinder das Dorf besucht, gerät alles aus dem Gleichgewicht. Er sucht nämlich nach neuen Schreckgestalten, und die Burg scheint dafür der richtige Ort zu sein. Eine herzergreifende Geschichte für kleine und grosse Monster.

KANGAROO
Ages 6+

Ein lächelndes Mädchen in einem weißen Hemd hält ein Känguru-Baby, das in eine hellbraune Decke eingewickelt ist. Sie sind im Freien, mit Sonnenlicht, Grünpflanzen und Terrassenmöbeln im Hintergrund.

In an effort to revive his flagging career, television weatherman Chris Masterman (Ryan Corr) is sent to the Australian Outback. While traveling through the region, he accidentally hits a young kangaroo. Searching for help, he meets Charlie, an eleven-year-old indigenous girl who immediately takes on caring for the injured animal. The two then embark on an exciting adventure to rescue more young kangaroos. Based on a true story, director Kate Woods’ heartwarming family comedy is full of compassion showcasing a love for animals and the Australian spirit.

CIRCUS BOY
Ages 6+

Ein Mann und ein Kind, beide in roten Zirkusuniformen, gehen Hand in Hand über eine Wiese in der Nähe von Zirkuszelten, während im Hintergrund Lastwagen und Lichter zu sehen sind.

Santino is a circus kid. Together with his family members from different generations, he moves around from city to city. He loves spending time with his great-grandfather, who is one of the last great circus directors in Europe and also his best friend. What enthralls Santino most is his great-grandpa’s storytelling – from anecdotes about his friendship with an elephant, to stories about contortionists and dangerous stunts. Sensitively recounting the everyday prejudices Germany's last nomads face, CIRCUSBOY captures the unique experiences in the life of a boy growing up between reality and magic — a life as free as a bird, and without a safety net.

LE SECRET DES MÉSANGES
Ages 8+

Ein lebhaftes Kind mit braunem Haar lächelt, während es sanft zwei kleine Vögel berührt, die auf einem Holzpfosten in einer ländlichen Umgebung sitzen.

9-year-old Lucie is on vacation in the hometown of her mother Caroline, who is there on an archaeological dig searching for traces of times long gone. Lucie's own adventure begins when she, with her new friend Yann and two very special songbirds, stumbles upon a mysterious family secret. From unearthing castle ruins deep underground to discovering a camper van on the edge of the forest, Lucie's journey is full of unexpected surprises and close encounters with animals. Director Antoine Lanciaux tells us the story of a courageous girl in this lovingly crafted animation film full of charm and magic.

TUMMY TOM 2 – A NEW FRIEND FOR TUMMY TOM
Ages 4+

Zwei Cartoon-Katzen, ein Eichhörnchen und ein Vogel stehen auf einem Holzschlitten auf einem verschneiten Hügel mit einem blauen Himmel und rosa Wolken im Hintergrund.

One snowy winter day, Tummy Tom and Cat Mouse meet their new neighbor, Woof, a big, loud dog. He doesn't exactly inspire enthusiasm in the two friends, who are suspicious of him and hiss loudly at him. However, during a wild sledding adventure, Woof shows that he is not only big, but also brave and helpful. This is the story of Tummy Tom and his friends’ new adventure, lovingly rendered with watercolor pictures. Narrated like a children's book, A NEW FRIEND FOR TUMMY TOM is a colorful film about courage, friendship, and overcoming prejudices. It makes for an ideal film for a first trip to the cinema with the little ones.

MELODIE DER ANGST (ZFF Studio Film)
Alter TBD

Eine Person liegt auf einem Bett, trägt Kopfhörer und hält einen ausgestopften Teddybären an ihre Brust. Sie scheint tief in Gedanken versunken zu sein, mit geschlossenen Augen und einer leichten Träne auf der Wange.

Yasmin panics in crowds or large spaces, which quickly becomes a cause for concern at her new school. On her first day at school, she meets Zoe, a new classmate who also plays in a band. Because of her beautiful voice, Yasmin is soon asked to join the band on stage at an upcoming competition. However, shortly before the big performance, everything changes dramatically. The short film was created as part of the «ZFF for Kids Studio». It was filmed by children for children under the guidance of coaches from the Zurich film school filmkids.ch.

FOLLOW ME (Hull's School Studio Film)
Alter TBD

Zwei junge Leute sitzen sich an einem Tisch in einem Flur gegenüber, während vier andere hinter ihnen stehen und mit ihren Handys Fotos oder Videos aufnehmen. Darüber hängt ein Schild mit digitalen Informationen. Die Umgebung wirkt angespannt und modern.

In a society where life does not exist outside social media, Girl grows up hoping for her savior «The Newcoming». One day in the forest, she meets a boy who has lived away from society, and she believes she has found her savior. However, the more she draws the boy into her world, the clearer it becomes that the long-awaited salvation may, in fact, be her true downfall. FOLLOW ME is a short film created by teens for teens. Made as part of the «ZFF for Kids Studio», it was shot by students at Hull's School under the guidance of coaches from the Zurich film school filmkids.ch.