Internationally renowned film producer Martin Moszkowicz has been appointed President of the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) with effect from 1 July 2026. Claudia Lässer and Sabine Boss will also join the Board of Directors, while current President Doris Fiala is stepping down.
Martin Moszkowicz to Assume Presidency
The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) is setting the course for its future. Effective 1 July 2026, Martin Moszkowicz will become the new President of the ZFF and Chair of the Board of Directors of Zurich Film Festival AG. With his appointment, the festival gains one of the international film industry’s most respected executives to support its strategic development.
«Martin Moszkowicz is the ideal President for us because he comes from the creative side of the industry, knows the festival extremely well, and, thanks to his extensive network in Munich and Los Angeles, will help us further strengthen our presence and relationships in our two most important international markets, Germany and the United States,» says Christian Jungen, CEO of the ZFF. «Martin is an inspiring and highly respected international industry leader who will help us further develop the ZFF into a globally recognised brand synonymous with outstanding cinema and a strong connection to the awards season.»
Martin Moszkowicz comments: «Over recent years, the Zurich Film Festival has established itself as a permanent fixture on the European festival calendar. With its clear commitment to high-quality cinema and its close connection to the international awards season, it has the potential to grow into a globally recognised brand in the years ahead. One of its flagship initiatives is the Zurich Summit, which has established itself as a leading platform for the global film business – a kind of “Davos for the film industry” – and offers significant potential for further growth. I look forward to working with Christian Jungen, the team and the Board of Directors to help shape this journey and contribute my international network.»
Over several decades, Moszkowicz has played a defining role in the international film industry. As long-serving CEO of Constantin Film, he was responsible for numerous national and international box-office successes and worked with some of the world’s most acclaimed filmmakers. As producer, executive producer and co-producer, he has been involved in more than 300 film and television productions. Since 2019, Prof. Martin Moszkowicz has shared his extensive industry expertise as Head of the Production and Media Business programme at the University of Television and Film Munich (HFF Munich). In 2024, he was included in the Variety 500 for the eighth consecutive year, recognising the most influential leaders in the global media and entertainment industry. His experience, international network and outstanding reputation will further strengthen the ZFF’s position within the international festival landscape.
Board Strengthened with Leading Figures from Media and Film
Claudia Lässer is one of the leading figures in the Swiss media industry. As CEO of Entertainment Programm AG, she oversees Switzerland’s largest sports offering through blue Sport and the country’s third-largest news platform through blue News. With extensive experience in product strategy, content development and digital transformation, she will bring valuable media and business expertise to the Board of Directors of the Zurich Film Festival.
Joining the Board alongside her is Sabine Boss, one of Switzerland’s most successful filmmakers. The director and screenwriter has created numerous cinema and television productions, including ERNSTFALL IN HAVANNA, I AM THE KEEPER, episodes of the series NEUMATT, and THE NEIGHBOURS FROM UPSTAIRS. Boss has received multiple Swiss Film Awards. She also serves as Head of the Film Department at Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). Her appointment further reinforces the ZFF’s long-standing commitment to fostering emerging talent and supporting the next generation of filmmakers.
Together with existing Board members Dr. Thomas Hügi and Dr Felix E. Müller, they will support the festival’s ongoing strategic development.
Thomas Hügi is a Zurich-based attorney specialising in media, sports and entertainment law and brings many years of experience advising media companies.
Felix E. Müller serves as Vice-President of the Board of Directors and represents the ownership of the Zurich Film Festival. The long-standing journalist and media executive has helped shape the Swiss media landscape for decades, including as Editor-in-Chief of NZZ am Sonntag.
Thanks to Doris Fiala
Current President Doris Fiala has announced her resignation.
The Zurich Film Festival, and CEO Christian Jungen in particular, would like to thank her for her outstanding commitment to the festival. During her tenure, the ZFF further strengthened its position as one of Zurich’s leading cultural institutions. The festival was in the black in 2025. Thanks to her extensive network across business and politics, Doris Fiala opened many doors for the festival and provided important momentum for its continued development.
«Doris Fiala has supported the ZFF with tremendous dedication and great passion. We are deeply grateful for everything she has done for the festival, and I wish her all the very best for the future,» says Christian Jungen.
With these appointments, the Zurich Film Festival further strengthens its expertise in film, media, business and international relations, creating ideal conditions for the next phase of the festival’s development.