Martin Moszkowicz Takes Over as Chair of the Zurich Film Festival

Martin Moszkowicz Takes Over as Chair of the Zurich Film Festival

The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) is setting the course for the future: Martin Moszkowicz will assume the chairmanship of the Board of Directors of ZFF AG effective July 1, 2026. With him, the festival is gaining one of the most internationally recognized film executives to lead its strategic development. Moszkowicz has shaped the international film industry for decades—as the long-time CEO of Constantin Film, he was responsible for numerous national and international box-office hits and collaborated with some of the world’s most prominent filmmakers. As a producer, executive producer, and co-producer, he has been involved in more than 300 film and television productions.

ZFF CEO Christian Jungen explains the choice: «Martin Moszkowicz is the ideal president for us because he comes from the content side, already knows the festival very well, and—with his strong network in Munich and Los Angeles—can help us build connections in the two international markets that are most important to us: the U.S. and Germany.» Jungen adds that Moszkowicz will help develop the ZFF into a global brand «that stands for quality cinema with strong ties to awards season.».

Since 2019, Prof. Martin Moszkowicz has headed the Production and Media Management program at the University of Television and Film Munich. In 2024, he was named to the prestigious Variety 500 for the eighth consecutive year; the list recognizes the world’s most influential leaders in the media and entertainment industries.

Moszkowicz himself believes the ZFF is on a promising path: «In recent years, the Zurich Film Festival has become a fixture on the European festival calendar. With its clear focus on quality cinema and its proximity to the international awards season, it has the potential to grow into a globally recognized brand in the coming years.» He particularly highlights the Zurich Summit, which he says has established itself as a sort of Davos of the film industry and still offers great potential for growth.

The Zurich Film Festival's Board of Directors Is Being Expanded

In addition to Moszkowicz, two other prominent figures are joining the Board of Directors: Claudia Lässer and Sabine Boss. Claudia Lässer is one of the leading figures in the Swiss media industry. As CEO of Entertainment Programm AG, she oversees blue Sport—Switzerland’s largest sports offering—and blue News—the country’s third-largest news portal. She has many years of experience in product strategy, content design, and digital transformation.

Sabine Boss is one of Switzerland’s most successful filmmakers. The director and screenwriter has helmed numerous film and television productions, including *Ernstfall in Havanna*, *Der Goalie bin ig*, episodes of the series *Neumatt*, and *Die Nachbarn von oben*. Boss has received the Swiss Film Award multiple times and heads the Film Department at the Zurich University of the Arts. With her appointment, the ZFF aims to further strengthen its commitment to promoting emerging film talent.

Together with the current members, Dr. Thomas Hügi—an attorney specializing in media, sports, and entertainment law—and Dr. Felix E. Müller, vice president and representative of the owners, as well as former editor-in-chief of the *NZZ am Sonntag*—the committee is tasked with guiding the festival’s strategic development.

Thanks to outgoing President Doris Fiala

Doris Fiala, the outgoing chair of the board of directors, has announced her resignation. During her tenure, the ZFF continued to develop into one of the leading cultural institutions in the city of Zurich, and the festival turned a profit in 2025. Christian Jungen pays tribute to her dedication: «Doris Fiala has championed the ZFF with great dedication and passion. For that, she deserves our deepest gratitude.»

The 22nd edition of the Zurich Film Festival will take place from September 24 to October 4, 2026. For more information, visit https://www.zff.com.