The stars take to the kitchen: Zurich Film Festival launches «ZFF Genuss Film» in partnership with the Genuss Film Festival Zug (GFF) and premium Alpine destination Andermatt as Presenting Partner – a brand-new event series bringing some of the Alps’ most celebrated chefs into the spotlight. Combining exceptional gastronomy with carefully curated documentaries and feature films, as well as inspiring talks and encounters, the format promises a unique festival experience where culinary excellence meets cinematic storytelling. For the inaugural edition, acclaimed chefs André Kaiser (The Chedi Andermatt), «The Twins» Dominik Sato and Fabio Toffolon («The Japanese» by The Chedi Andermatt), Valentin Sträuli (IGNIV Andermatt) and Niklas Oberhofer («noEvents» & «Atelier 6») have already been confirmed.
The celebrity chefs, from left to right: Valentin Sträuli (IGNIV Andermatt), «The Twins» Dominik Sato and Fabio Toffolon («The Japanese» by The Chedi Andermatt), André Kaiser (The Chedi Andermatt) and Niklas Oberhofer («noEvents» & «Atelier 6»).
When Alpine Haute Cuisine Meets Great Cinema
«ZFF Genuss Film» will celebrate its premiere at the Zurich Film Festival in 2026 as a joint initiative between the Zurich Film Festival and the Genuss Film Festival Zug (GFF). At its heart lies Alpine gastronomy. Renowned Michelin-starred chefs from selected destinations across the Alpine region will become the evening’s true protagonists, shaping the experience not only through their culinary creations but also through direct interaction with festival guests.
«Food has always been an integral part of the Zurich Film Festival: around 85 per cent of our visitors combine their cinema experience with dining out. Switzerland is also internationally recognised as a world-class culinary destination, home to some of the finest restaurants anywhere,» says Christian Jungen, CEO of the Zurich Film Festival. «Together with the Genuss Film Festival Zug, we are delighted to celebrate Zurich’s gastronomic culture through a new series that brings cinema and cuisine together while offering our audience the opportunity to engage with some of the country’s most outstanding chefs. We are particularly pleased that André Kaiser, Dominik Sato, Fabio Toffolon and Valentin Sträuli – among the leading figures of Swiss fine dining – will be part of this inaugural edition.»
Taking place from 30 September to 2 October 2026, ZFF Genuss Film will offer a carefully curated journey that seamlessly blends cinema and gastronomy. At Arena Cinemas in Sihlcity, audiences will enjoy an exceptional selection of films exploring the theme of food and enjoyment, ranging from moving documentaries to inspiring feature films. The experience will then continue at the Papiersaal, where award-winning chefs will create memorable culinary moments, complemented by engaging talks and personal encounters that add a new dimension to the festival experience.
Matthias Luchsinger, Director of the Genuss Film Festival Zug, comments: «The Genuss Film Festival has always been about engaging all the senses. First comes immersion in a culinary film, followed by extraordinary gastronomic experiences and concluding with our ‘Food for Thoughts’ conversations. We are delighted and proud to bring this concept to Zurich in partnership with the Zurich Film Festival.»
As the Alpine Guest Destination and Presenting Partner of ZFF Genuss Film 2026, Andermatt Swiss Alps will take centre stage. Situated at an altitude of 1,444 metres, Andermatt ranks among the leading premium destinations in the Swiss Alps. Exclusive hotels, an outstanding culinary scene with a remarkable concentration of Michelin stars, and spectacular mountain landscapes make the destination truly exceptional.
As the event’s culinary partner, Niklas Oberhofer and his company «noEvents» will be responsible for the culinary infrastructure and kitchen logistics behind the new format. The former youngest Michelin-starred chef in Switzerland will also join one of the evenings, showcasing one of his signature dishes and adding his own culinary touch to the experience.
Culinary and Cinematic Excellence
The evening begins in the cinema with a carefully selected film centred on the theme of gastronomy and enjoyment, setting the tone through compelling stories and striking visuals. Guests then move to the Papiersaal, where a welcome aperitif marks the start of the culinary experience.
An exclusive four-course menu, created by award-winning chefs, showcases exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail in every dish. Throughout the dinner, inspiring conversations with chefs and distinguished guests offer unique insights behind the scenes, enriching the experience beyond the plate. The evening concludes with an after-dinner drink, providing the perfect setting for personal encounters and informal conversations in a relaxed atmosphere.
An Experience for All the Senses
Over the course of three days, ZFF Genuss Film brings together cinema, Alpine haute cuisine and inspiring encounters in a carefully curated programme. The result is a new sensory dimension within the Zurich Film Festival – one that celebrates storytelling, gastronomy and human connection in equal measure.
At a glance
Dates: 30 September – 2 October 2026
Wednesday, 30 September 2026
André Kaiser – Director of Culinary, The Chedi Andermatt, Niklas Oberhofer – NoEvents
Thursday, 1 October 2026
«The Twins» Dominik Sato & Fabio Toffolon – Executive Chefs, «The Japanese» by The Chedi Andermatt
Friday, 2 October 2026
Valentin Sträuli – Head Chef, IGNIV Andermatt
Venues: Arena Cinemas Sihlcity & Papiersaal Zurich
Alpine Guest Destination 2026: Andermatt Swiss Alps (including The Chedi Andermatt, IGNIV and Gütsch)
You can find the official media release here.
