Program and Speakers

zurich_summit_stuart_ford_maren_olson_alex_brunner_sebastien_raybaud_diana_lodderhose_alex_brunner.png

Program and Speakers

This is the Zurich Summit 2025

Awards & Film Festivals

  • How can awards and their shows, as well as film festivals remain relevant?

Moderator: Christian Jungen, Festival Director Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) 

  • Tricia Tuttle, Director Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)

  • Cameron Bailey, CEO Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 

  • Helen Hoehne, President Golden Globes LLC 

Politics in Entertainment

  • How does the entertainment industry navigate through times of political turmoil?

Moderator: Deadline  

  • David Unger, CEO Artist International Group 

  • Patrick Wachsberger, President & CEO Legendary – 193 

  • Nick Shumaker, Head of AC Independent 

Keynote 

  • Stephen Follows, Film Data Researcher & Consultant Guinness World Records 

AI

  • Beyond Imagination: Creativity in the Age of AI

Keynote 

  • Eline van der Velden, CEO Particle6 

  • Verena Puhm, Head of Studio Dream Lab LA (Luma AI) 

YouTube & Social Media

  • How do Filmmakers/Content Creators use digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Instagram to tell their stories, while shaping cultural narratives?

Moderator: Deadline 

Keynote 

  • Sidney Leeder (Shy Kids), Filmmaker & Musician 

  • Walter Woodman (Shy Kids), Filmmaker & Musician 

Finance & Production

  • With the emergence of European and international production hubs and incentives, is Hollywood still relevant?

Moderator: Deadline 

  • Teddy Schwarzman, CEO Black Bear Pictures 

  • Abduljalil Al-Nasser, General Manager of Sector Development & Investment Attraction at the Saudi Film Commission (SFC) 

  • Sarah Schweitzman, Agent CAA Media Finance 

  • Rena Ronson, Partner & Head UTA Independent Film Group 

Sales & Distribution

  • The economics of indie film: How to make a profit with the right release strategy?

Moderator: Deadline 

  • Megan Colligan, Consultant 

  • Michael Barker, Co-President Sony Pictures Classics 

  • Daniel Steinman, Co-President & COO 30WEST 

Game Changer

  • A conversation between this year's Game Changer Award Recipient Tom Quinn, NEON and Roeg Sutherland, CAA
  • Tom Quinn, CEO NEON

  • Roeg Sutherland, Head CAA Media Finance & International Film Group 

Would you like to explore previous editions of the Zurich Summit? Here you can find our programs from past years.

These are our speakers in 2025

This year’s Zurich Summit will not only address relevant industry topics such as AI, streaming and film financing, but also timely global political questions and their impact on entertainment, which the conference aims to provide solutions for. 

Speakers 2025

Tricia Tuttle Festival Director Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)
Cameron BaileyCEO Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Helen Hoehne President Golden Globes, LLC
David UngerCEO Artist International Group
Patrick WachsbergerPresident & CEO Legendary - 193
Nick Shumaker Head AC Independent
Stephen FollowsFilm Data Researcher & Consultant Guinness World Records
Eline van der VeldenCEO Particle6
Verena PuhmHead of Studio Dream Lab LA (Luma AI)
Teddy Schwarzman CEO Black Bear Pictures
Abduljalil Al-NasserGeneral Manager of Sector Development & Investment Attraction at the Saudi Film Commission (SFC)
Sarah SchweitzmanAgent CAA Media Finance
Rena RonsonPartner & Head UTA Independent Film Group
Michael Barker Co-President Sony Pictures Classics
Daniel SteinmanCo-President & COO 30WEST
Tom QuinnCEO NEON | Game Changer Award Recipient
Roeg SutherlandHead CAA Media Finance & International Film Group
Stuart FordChairman & CEO AGC Studios
Philippe BoberProducer Coproduction Office
Alex BrunnerAgent UTA Independent Film Group

Want to experience the Zurich Summit live on September 27, 2025?

Secure your ticket now and become part of the exclusive Zurich Summit!

Experience inspiring panels, distinguished guests, and an unforgettable weekend filled with exciting networking opportunities.

Friday, 26.09.25
18:00
The Dolder Grand

Zurich Summit

Tickets

What is included in the Summit Package:

The Zurich Summit Standard Package includes

  • Welcome Drinks on 26 September

  • Zurich Summit Conference on 27 September

  •  Access to the Charity Doubles Tennis Tournament on 28 September

  • Attendance at the Awards Special Screening of Switzerland’s official Oscar entry, including an Apéro, on 28 September 

The Zurich Summit Gold Package includes:

  • Welcome Drinks on 26 September

  •  Zurich Summit Conference on 27 September

  • Access to the Charity Doubles Tennis Tournament on 28 September

  • Attendance at the Awards Special Screening of Switzerland’s official Oscar entry, including an Apéro, on 28 September

  • Invitation to the Zurich Summit and Game Changer Award Dinner at Restaurant Terrasse on 28 September.

Industry

ZFF Industry Newsletter

Never miss a program release again

Sign up for the Industry Newsletter and we will keep you informed about the Zurich Film Festival programme.

Don't miss any more deadlines

Stay informed about our Industry Program

Sign up