Zurich, August 13, 2026 — The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) has announced the first 11 titles confirmed for its 2026 Gala Premieres section, bringing a selection of American productions, international festival films and two German world premieres to Zurich from September 24 to October 4.
Among the announced films are I PLAY ROCKY, WICKER, 111 – ECHOES FROM HALIFAX and JOSEPHINE, alongside the world premieres of LOVE, AFTER ALL by Andreas Dresen and HOW CAN I HELP? by Doris Dörrie.
The Gala Premieres section traditionally focuses on films expected to attract attention during the awards season, with established filmmakers and performers featuring prominently across the programme. ZFF CEO Christian Jungen described the section as being dedicated to “auteur cinema for a broader audience.”
American Films Take Centre Stage
Peter Farrelly’s I PLAY ROCKY will receive its European premiere at the festival. The 2026 US biography stars Anthony Ippolito, Matt Dillon, Stephan James, AnnaSophia Robb, PJ Byrne, Toby Kebbell, Tracy Letts and Jay Duplass.
The film revisits the story behind the making of Rocky, following an unknown Sylvester Stallone as he attempts to convince a studio to let him play the lead in his screenplay despite repeated setbacks and rejections.
JOSEPHINE, directed by Beth de Araújo, stars Channing Tatum, Gemma Chan and Mason Lily Reeves. The drama centres on eight-year-old Josephine, who witnesses a violent crime and struggles to regain a sense of security. Her parents respond differently to the aftermath, creating increasing tension within the family.
Another US title, WICKER, is directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson and features Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård and Peter Dinklage. The comedy follows an ostracised fisherwoman who commissions a husband made by a local basketmaker, setting off a series of unexpected developments within her community.
Swissair Flight 111 Drama Comes to Zurich
Mauro Mueller’s 111 – ECHOES FROM HALIFAX will have its international premiere at ZFF. The Switzerland-Canada production revisits the aftermath of the September 2, 1998 crash of Swissair Flight 111 near Halifax.
The film follows relatives seeking answers about their loved ones, the people attempting to help, and residents of the Canadian coast confronted with the aftermath of the disaster.
Lee Chang-dong Returns With Possible Love
The programme also includes POSSIBLE LOVE, the latest film from South Korean director Lee Chang-dong. The drama stars Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu, Zo In-sung and Cho Yeo-jeong.
The story follows two married couples whose lives become increasingly intertwined through relationships, economic differences and hidden desires. The film marks Lee Chang-dong’s first release in eight years.
Two German Films Set for World Premieres
German directors Andreas Dresen and Doris Dörrie will both premiere new films at the Zurich Film Festival.
Dresen’s LOVE, AFTER ALL stars Dagmar Manzel and Joachim Król as Lore and Harry, a couple who have been married for nearly 40 years. Their disagreements over ageing, retirement and their daughter’s relationships bring long-standing tensions to the surface.
Dörrie’s HOW CAN I HELP? combines drama and comedy in a story about Mrs. Winkler, who becomes dependent on care after suffering a fall. Her daughter hires a care robot to assist her, but the machine has another purpose: it is also expected to kill Mrs. Winkler if her condition deteriorates further.
More International Titles Announced
The Gala Premieres selection also includes COMPANY, directed by Casey Affleck and starring Nick Nolte, Ben Mendelsohn and Adelaide Clemens. The mystery unfolds through stories spanning different generations and explores grief, vengeance, forgiveness and compassion.
Other announced titles are Nanni Moretti’s romantic drama IT WILL HAPPEN TONIGHT, Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw’s documentary BURGUNDY, and Simon Wallon’s documentary THE HAMMER, which examines the career of auctioneer Simon de Pury and his connections to the international art world.
The full programme of the 22nd Zurich Film Festival will be published on the ZFF website on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at noon. Ticket sales are scheduled to begin on Monday, September 14, 2026.