Zurich confirms status as key awards staging post with packed line-up of hopefuls

The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) has long played a key role as a film launch pad to the major German-speaking markets of around 100 million people in Switzerland, Germany and Austria.

The fall date of the festival from September 25th to October 5th means that ZFF is a key staging post in the culmination of the International Awards race, winning the Baftus and European Film Awards at the Oscars in March 2026.

Previously, films that had world premiered at festivals such as Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Toronto, and Sundance have traditionally like to use Zurich as their main platform to build the momentum and buzz of the awards season.

We’ve seen at a glance many of the films that first appeared in Zurich. I’m checking this. There is a German-speaking market premiere for a series of titles that recently won award talks in Venice, including Noah Banbach Jay KellyGuillermo del Toro Frankenstein, Olivier Assayas ‘ Kremlin WizardBenny Safdies Smashing Machine. Mona FastVold’s Anley’s will, Luca Guadagnino’s After the hunt And Yorgos Lanthimos Bgonia.

Making a European premier after a bow in Toronto is a title like James Vanderbilt Nurembergthere is no Dacosta header, Hiko Rental family, Philippa Lowthorpe H is hak, Derek Cinanfrance’s Roofman, David Miched’s Christie and James McAvoys California Simin.

Cannes titles including Richard Linklater New Wave, Rebecca Zlotowski’s Personal lifeHarry Lighttons Pillion, Tarek Saleh’s Eagles of the Republic You will also receive the Gala Premier in Zurich.

Meanwhile, Zurich’s main competitive program is home to the gems of small festivals that are looking to build reviews and profiles, including Ted Evans. Retreat, Josher Bongard babystar, James Sweeney’s Twinless And the sheeting two Left-handed girl.

Achievements

2022 by Edward Berger Everything on the Western Front is quiet It had a European premiere in Zurich just after its world premiere in Toronto. ZFF proved to be an important addition platform for the film, winning four Oscars.

ZFF Festival Director Christian Jangen suggests that studios and streamers will splash at finest festivals like Venice through reviews and red carpet photos to integrate the topics in Zurich.

“(After Venice) they use junkets, talented master classes, and other festivals to accept awards for talent,” he says. “The race to the Oscars is very long. Without follow-up, that wouldn’t work. That’s where a lot of fall festivals come out, like Zurich.”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has internationalized its membership in recent years to make Oscars a more global event. At present, at least 20% of Oscar voters are based outside the US, and international festivals play a key role in reaching potential voters.

“Many people have decided to do the second important screening of films in Zurich,” says Letaguetz, associate director of ZFF. “It’s a great honor for us and it’s extremely beneficial for these films.”

So this year, many talents head to Zurich and pound the drums for their film. The festival will host a masterclass by Dakota Johnson who will be coming with Michael Angelo Covino. Split Building, Like Wagner MouraSecret Agent), Noah Bambach (Jay Kelly), Colin Farrell and Edward Burger (Little Player Ballad), Russell Crowe (Nuremberg), Claire Foy (H is hak), Benedict Cumberbatch (Something with feathers), Hildur Gudnadottir (header) and James McAvoy (California Simin).

Meanwhile, Russell Crowe and Claire Foy are among those awarded at ZFF this year.

Streamlined Program

Guetg said over the past two years, Zurich has streamlined the program and selected films, but has focused more on winning “films that people talk about” or awards. In total, the program runs to 114 movies. “We are trying to actually use our network and skills to program relevant programs.”

Turning to this program, Jungen is very much a believer in Auger for the film, and for the awards season.

“The film really seems to be coming back from a quality perspective. After a rather challenging year, there are many good films from around the world and from the US.

“There are so many movies where you see big stars doing something whole new, whether it’s rock or not. Smashing Machine He is suddenly a subtle character actor, and perhaps Oscar. Roofman)Or Jodie Foster, who plays in a French film, speaks French ( Personal life). So cinemas can once again surprise us. The stars can surprise us again. ”