The Zurich Film Festival shines a spotlight on Switzerland’s film capital: today’s second Zurich Film Day highlighted the economic and social importance of filmmaking for both the city and canton. Numerous inquisitive people took part in the Zurich “Film Stroll” along the value chain of the filmmaking business. At the Zurich Film Night that followed, guests from politics and film watched the movie AND TOMORROW WE WILL BE DEAD by Michael Steiner together in the presence of Cantonal Councillor Jacqueline Fehr.
The Zurich Film Festival highlights home-grown, high-quality filmmaking. The upswing in Swiss cinema is due in no small part to Zurich as a film location. “Many successful Swiss films are developed, financed and shot in Zurich,” said Festival Director Christian Jungen during the Zurich Film Night at the Folium inside Sihlcity: “These films are on the one hand great ambassadors for Zurich in the world and on the other hand they hold a mirror up to us.”
Julia Krättli, Managing Director of the Zürcher Filmstiftung, was delighted: “It’s great to see that the public is interested in the work of filmmakers and have taken the opportunity to gain an insight into their work and creative process.”
In addition, film music composer Adrian Frutiger spoke at a panel about his work on Michael Steiner’s new movie AND TOMORROW WE WILL BE DEAD (UND MORGEN SEID IHR TOT), which guests of the Zurich Film Night were able to see subsequent to the talk. Michael Steiner and leading actress Morgane Ferru then provided insights into the shooting process during a Q&A session after the film.
Furthermore, to illustrate the importance of filmmaking for the city and canton, the ZFF once again held the Zurich Film Stroll. Many film enthusiasts grabbed the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of Zurich’s filmmaking business. From financing to development, production and post-production to distribution, the movers and shakers of the Zurich film industry presented their work. Last but not least, two school classes also joined the Film Stroll to visit the film studios of the ZHdK.
Finally, various Zurich films from the ZFF programme were shown in local cinemas throughout the day.
The Zurich Film Industry Association rounded off the second Zurich Film Day by inviting industry guests of the ZFF and the Zurich Film Night to the Folium for a nightcap.