Comprehensive Engagement: About 20 creators and just under 400,000 views

Conclusion: When festival coverage goes beyond the Green Carpet

The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) has concluded its 22nd edition. Under the theme «Dream Big,» the festival celebrated cinema for eleven days. According to a press release, 135,000 visitors attended, about one-third of whom participated in the supporting program. A total of 136 films were screened, including 46 world and European premieres. Approximately 500 guests from the film industry were in attendance.

Zurich Film Festival Doubles Its Social Media Reach

On its own social media channels, the ZFF achieved a reach of 6.3 million. This represents a doubling compared to last year. On third-party channels, the festival generated an earned reach of 1.7 billion potential contacts (Source: Argus).

«It was a spectacular edition featuring many stars, such as Julianne Moore and John Turturro, who are considered Oscar contenders and were celebrated by the audience with standing ovations,» explains Christian Jungen, CEO of the ZFF. «The fact that we were able to present prestigious Hollywood productions like TENZING, I PLAY ROCKY, and WICKER as European premieres led to us achieving a greater reach on social media than ever before.» The festival was also able to provide a big stage for Swiss cinema, true to the motto «Dream Big.».

International Stars and Awards

Among those who traveled to Zurich were Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, John Turturro, and Tom Hiddleston. Moore, recipient of the Golden Icon Award, presented her new film, *THE DEBUT*, directed by Jesse Eisenberg. “This is our second film together,” she said. “His intelligence, his humor, his humanity, and his great originality have amazed me time and time again.”.

John Turturro received a Golden Eye Award. He sees the award «as encouragement to keep going.» Naomi Watts was also honored with a Golden Eye Award. She introduced the film *THE HOUSEWIFE*, which is based on true events. Willem Dafoe spoke about his work on the opening film *TENZING* and praised director Jennifer Peedom, who is knowledgeable about the culture and mountaineering.

Golden Eye Award for Feature Films and Documentaries

In each of the two competition sections, filmmakers from around the world competed with 14 films each for the Golden Eye, which comes with a prize of 25,000 Swiss francs. In the feature film competition, FLESH AND FUEL by Pierre le Gall won, while BUCKS HARBOR by Pete Muller took first place in the documentary competition.

The 23rd edition of the Zurich Film Festival will take place from September 23 to October 3, 2027. According to the festival, the ZFF is the second-largest film festival in the German-speaking world.

m&k met with the content creator during a break in filming at Publicis, the in-house cinema of the advertising agency of the same name on Stadelhoferstrasse, for an exclusive interview. In the half-hour interview, Bakels shares compelling insights into his daily life as a creator, recounts emotional encounters with Hollywood stars at the ZFF, and explains what brands need to consider when collaborating with influencers to achieve maximum relevance and reach. 

m&k: Hi Felix, it's great to have you here. Where are we right now?

Felix Bakels: We're here at Publicis, a very nice, small movie theater where you can also conduct interviews very well.

m&k: Tell me, who are you and what do you do?

Felix Bakels: I'm Felix, a content creator from Munich, and I've been producing online content about movies for just under five years. The title «Felix Film Reviews» was originally just a placeholder, but it stuck because everyone knows right away what it’s about. My greatest passion is watching movies, talking about them, and convincing others why a particular film is worth seeing in theaters—and which ones they might want to skip.

It all started because I noticed that a lot of people go to the movies without giving it much thought, and then they’re often disappointed. I wondered if no one ever thinks about it beforehand or reads reviews. Since I do things differently, I can give my friends and family tips and help them choose, because going to the movies is expensive, after all.

m&k: Do you remember your very first movie?

Felix Bakels: That must The Jungle Book It must have been when I was about three years old. I guess I was still too young for that, and I had a lot of nightmares afterward.

m&k: And what was your first movie review?

Felix Bakels: My first review is basically a wonderful "full-circle" moment. In September 2018, I attended the ZFF for the first time as a private guest, and there I Roma I saw it by Alfonso Cuarón. This black-and-white film moved me deeply and pleasantly surprised me—a work I might otherwise never have watched. That’s when I realized what’s so special about film festival movies: you go into them with an open mind and see what effect the film has on you.

Live from the Green Carpet: TikTok Takes the Zurich Film Festival by Storm

m&k: You're now in a whole new role at the ZFF. How do you see the festival, and what exactly are your responsibilities there?

Felix Bakels: This year, I was invited by TikTok to create live content in collaboration with the ZFF. Normally, I produce and edit my videos in advance, but here I’m broadcasting live. TikTok and the ZFF wanted to launch a live format together and were looking for creators to help. I had the great honor of taking on this task and providing exclusive insights from the Green Carpet into press relations, premieres, and interviews with the stars. It’s incredibly fun.

m&k: Why would a platform like TikTok even get involved with a long-established film festival like the ZFF?

Felix Bakels: Because the ZFF keeps up with the times and wants to get a younger audience excited about film festivals. I live in Munich—just four hours away—but for a long time I didn’t even know the ZFF existed. If you work in the film industry, it’s naturally part of your world, but many people my age or younger often don’t even know that you can see stars up close here, get autographs, or be right in the thick of things. The fact that the ZFF is now bringing TikTok on board like this is a major, forward-looking step.

TikTok has an incredibly strong sense of what's trending and reaches young people right where they get their information. If you look at this year's movies, many have become extremely successful largely because of TikTok—just think of Obsession or Backrooms. The director of Backrooms, Kane Parsons, a young newcomer, even attended the ZFF himself this year and shared insights into his work during a live panel discussion. This shows young talents: Social media—go for it!

m&k: How would you describe the magic of TikTok in one or two sentences?

Felix Bakels: It’s not a traditional marketing tool where you just press a button and a video suddenly becomes a hit. It’s about touching people emotionally and moving them. Especially in the age of artificial intelligence, it’s becoming increasingly important for content to be authentic. When someone turns on the camera and enthusiastically talks about a trip to the movies, you can feel that raw emotion and fascination. Viewers want to be part of that connection. TikTok has become so powerful because it perfectly caters to this very need for community and genuine interaction.

Encounters on the Green Carpet: Experience Big Stars Up Close

m&k: You're now part of the Green Carpet community at the ZFF. Who have you had the chance to meet so far, and which encounter stands out most in your memory?

Felix Bakels: There have been so many great encounters already. Yesterday, for example, I had the chance to speak with Gustaf Skarsgård, who is promoting his new movie Adult Supervision presented. Incidentally, his brother Alexander Skarsgård was there the next day for his movie—it was really nice to see how they support each other. I also had the pleasure of conducting wonderful interviews with Jesse Eisenberg, Julianne Moore, and Naomi Watts.

What’s striking about all these international stars—regardless of their numerous achievements or Oscars—is that their deep passion for acting and filmmaking takes center stage. This enthusiasm was particularly palpable in the case of Jesse Eisenberg, who not only starred in his new film but also directed it. When stars like these share their love for cinema, it’s simply infectious on social media.

m&k: You radiate such enthusiasm yourself. What do you think makes a great story so magical?

Felix Bakels: The worst thing a movie can do is be boring. No matter how spectacular the sets or how great the score—if the story or the performances don't move me emotionally, it just doesn't work for me.

In the end, it always comes down to the human element, the so-called Relatability. Let's take the opening film of this year's ZFF, Tenzing, which is about the first ascent of Everest. Ultimately, it wasn’t just about mountaineering itself, but about the «inner Everest»—overcoming oneself and achieving something. As soon as you, as a viewer, can empathize with a character and say, «I can feel what this character is going through,» it’s a good story.

The Partnership from the Perspective of the Community and the Brand

m&k: What has your experience been like working with the team behind the ZFF?

Felix Bakels: It’s been nothing but positive—and I’m not just saying that because I’m here right now. The atmosphere, the communication, and the way people interact with one another are wonderful. Whether at the festival center, on the Green Carpet, with security, or at the bar: everyone is incredibly nice and accommodating. You feel completely at home in this professional film community and under no pressure whatsoever.

m&k: How does TikTok support you in your on-site work and, more generally, as a creator?

Felix Bakels: We have a dedicated point of contact here on-site from the TikTok Live team, with whom I can communicate closely. In addition, the streams are broadcast not only on my channel but also simultaneously on the official ZFF channel. This ensures a massive reach, from which both sides benefit enormously.

In general, what I appreciate most about TikTok is the absolute creative freedom. You can basically do and talk about whatever you want. Plus, there are networks and dedicated Discord servers for creators to connect with one another, which makes the platform an extremely strong partner.

m&k: How does your production setup at the studio compare to the one at home?

Felix Bakels: Normally, I produce and edit my reviews and movie news at home in my studio, with fixed lighting and perfect audio conditions. Here at the ZFF, I work entirely live. Instead of a compact 60-second video, I sometimes stand in front of the camera for two to three hours straight, bringing the community along for the ride. Someone scrolling through TikTok suddenly sees a creator standing in front of the ZFF banner, talking live with stars like Tom Hiddleston—that’s an authentic, unfiltered glimpse into the world of premieres that you just don’t get in this form on traditional TV.

A Look Behind the Scenes: Tips for Brands and Agencies

m&k: Our readership at m&k consists largely of decision-makers from marketing, advertising, and the media. What should brands keep in mind if they want to collaborate with creators like you?

Felix Bakels: There are various ways for brands to collaborate with us. On the one hand, brands can book pure promotional videos (buyouts) for specific campaigns, which are then played on the brand’s channels. Alternatively, there’s the option to promote videos we’ve already created organically at a later date, once brands notice that the content is resonating well with the community.

The third option is direct collaboration, where a client commissions a video on my channel—for example, to promote a new movie release. Of course, this must be labeled as a paid partnership, but it still reflects my authentic opinion. Viewers know how to take this into account, as long as there’s a certain level of credibility.

m&k: And what is the key to a successful collaboration from a creator's perspective?

Felix Bakels: The most important thing is creative freedom. When brands bring us on board to talk about a product or a movie, but when it comes to the content, Carte Blanche ...this is what produces the best results. Of course, you can discuss formal adjustments afterward, but having your own authentic storytelling style is what really matters.

An Evening at the Movies: Between Popcorn, PlayStation, and True Passion

m&k: When you leave the movie theater and settle in on the couch at home—do you even watch movies for fun anymore?

Felix Bakels: Absolutely, because this isn't just a job—it's my passion. If I don't produce content must, I still often sit down on the couch in the evening and watch a movie—just for the sheer pleasure of it. Of course, my subconscious is always analyzing certain camera angles or the film score, but I can also completely zone out. And when I really don’t feel like watching movies, I play a round on the PlayStation or read a good book.

m&k: Felix, thank you so much for the fascinating conversation. See you at the movies!

Felix Bakels: You're very welcome. By all means, watch some good movies!

m&k: Let's do it. Bye, ciao!

Background: The Partnership Between TikTok and the Zurich Film Festival

According to both partners, the strategic collaboration between the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) and TikTok aims to showcase the festival’s events to a broad digital community and reach younger audiences. The partnership is a forward-looking step to make the event accessible to a global community in real time. It focuses on the global trend in which blockbuster movies are increasingly gaining momentum through viral online communities, which is why the ZFF wants to specifically engage younger, film-loving audiences via the platform. By featuring official creators directly at the press line and in the fan zone, TikTok offers an interactive, unfiltered connection to the stars and makes the exclusive festival glamour accessible to over a billion users.

Christian Jungen started out at the box office in Winterthur in 1991. He went on to become a film critic, culture editor of the *NZZ am Sonntag*, editor-in-chief of the film magazine *Frame*, and author of the biography of festival organizer Moritz de Hadeln. He has been directing the Zurich Film Festival since 2020. When the NZZ decided to sell the ZFF after ten years of ownership, he faced the most important decision of his professional life. «A lot of people approached me and said, »This is your chance now.« At some point, I told myself, »If everyone believes I can do this, then I should believe in myself, too.«»

Skin in the Game

Jungen is 53. He made his money in journalism, «where, as everyone knows, you don’t become a millionaire.» Nevertheless, he invested what he had saved. «I don’t have a sugar daddy in the background who’s fronted a few million. So this has to work.» He sees the pressure as an advantage: «You think much more carefully: Do I really need this right now, or is it just nice to have?» He was influenced by Nassim Taleb’s book *Skin in the Game*, a tribute to people who put their own money on the line and therefore make better decisions.

At the Zurich venue, the move has paid off. The Golden Eye Circle patron association has grown significantly since becoming independent. «People appreciate those who take the plunge. They’re also more willing to help them.» Samih Sawiris has become a member; Georges Kern and Carolina Müller-Möhl are also part of it. Membership costs 5,500 francs for Bronze, 10,000 for Silver, and 33,000 for Gold. In return, members receive advance ticket sales, a concierge service, and events throughout the year, such as a group Oscar night. ’A real club culture has developed there,’ says Jungen. «Beyond the financial aspect, it’s also a source of moral encouragement.»

The connection with Sawiris began during a vacation in El Gouna, where his film festival was just getting underway. Jungen attended the opening, offered feedback, and those conversations led to a partnership. «They’re the newer festival and want more Hollywood stars. We have the connections. Sawiris has incredibly good connections in the business world. And when there are two of us, we might be able to get a better deal.» Films that have their world premiere in Zurich can screen in El Gouna two weeks later.

Champions League

There are about 40,000 film festivals worldwide. The *Guardian* ranked the ZFF tenth in Europe. ’If we were talking about soccer, we’d be talking about the Champions League,« says Jungen. »We’re among the best—not at the very top, where Cannes, Venice, and Berlin are, but not in the middle of nowhere either.« For him, this has to do with the city, the airport, the five-star hotels, and the timing at the start of Oscar season, when studios need to boost their films» prestige. «Toronto takes place in a multiplex with escalators. We’re in the heart of the city, with the illuminated opera house in the background.»

That wasn’t always the case. In 2005, Mayor Elmar Ledergerber’s cultural affairs office asked the founders to remove «Zurich» from the name. A «pretentious, flashy event» could damage the city’s image. «We’ve had a positive relationship with Hollywood from the very beginning,» says Jungen. “Today, every festival wants stars—even Locarno.”

The Kunsthaus draws just over half a million visitors a year, the Opera House 230,000, and the ZFF between 135,000 and 140,000. ’We get our visitor numbers in eleven days; the others operate year-round.’ The NZZ’s economic impact study put the figure at 37 million francs, based on approximately 100,000 visitors. A new calculation is underway. Every year, 600 volunteers help out—different people each year. ’Apart from the zoo, there’s nothing in Zurich that’s as deeply rooted in the local community as the ZFF.« The internal motto: From Zurich, for Zurich, and the world.

An office in Hollywood

Jungen spends three months a year abroad, often in Los Angeles. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Golden Globes, where he is responsible for membership. He uses the week of the awards ceremony for meetings: «Everyone is there before the Oscars and the Golden Globes. Meetings at the office during the day, receptions in the evening.» His takeaway from the biography of Moritz de Hadeln: «The festival business is a people business. You have to travel; you have to talk to people—not just on Zoom.» Often, the discussions are about films that haven’t even been shot yet.

In the medium term, the ZFF plans to open a branch office in Los Angeles. Business partner Max Lung, a native of Zurich, already lives in the Hollywood neighborhood. President Martin Moszkowicz, who served for many years as CEO of Constantin Film, commutes between Munich and Los Angeles. «It’s important to have a presence over there so that people think of Zurich when they have a new film.» The network is paying off: Casey Affleck reached out through a mutual friend and will personally present his film this year.

Strategy 2030

By 2030, the ZFF is set to become Switzerland’s most important cultural and social event. Jungen asked ChatGPT about the competitive landscape and received a ranking: Art Basel, Montreux Jazz, ZFF, Lucerne Festival, Locarno. Sawiris asked the same question and received Lucerne in second place and the ZFF in fourth. When asked, ChatGPT explained that classical music is important to Sawiris. «Anyway, we’re not in first place. That’s where we want to be.»

The path to that goal goes through the stars. «We’re actually less in the movie business than in live entertainment. The reason the tickets sell out so fast isn’t the movie. It’s Julianne Moore or John Turturro or Casey Affleck.» The first sold-out movie on the program was «Diamond,» written by and starring Andy Garcia.

The festival is set to have a year-round presence. Premieres for third parties are a business segment; ZFF was part of the «Socceritos» premiere featuring Granit Xhaka. In addition, there are activities for partners at the Golden Globes or in Cannes. When it comes to customer focus, Jungen doesn’t mess around: «We have to focus on the customer without any room for humor. You have to keep asking yourself: Where are the people? If I’m sitting on the tram and everyone is looking at their cell phones, then maybe I shouldn’t be running print ads anymore.» This statement comes from someone who worked for newspapers for 25 years and now reads them on his iPad.

Death threats after two hours

At the Zurich Summit, the industry conference held at the Dolder Grand with 150 decision-makers, Eline Van der Velden introduced the AI actress Tilly Norwood last year. Two hours later, she was receiving death threats. The industry portal «Deadline» recorded its four most-read articles of all time in the first 36 hours that followed. This year, Van der Velden is returning, and Tilly Norwood is making her first major public appearance.

Jungen understands the actors« fears, but doesn’t believe in demonizing the technology. »Television didn’t replace radio, nor has streaming replaced the movie theater. There will be AI-made films, just as there are animated films.« For him, AI is »a bigger game-changer than the invention of the Internet was.« It’s part of everyday operations. Managing Director Mehmet Inan uses it at every level. »In the past, a graphic designer would spend days laying out sponsor dossiers. Today, you just type what you need into Claude or another program, and something pretty usable comes out.« His response to the critics: »Of course, not everything is perfect, but AI is getting better every day.« He isn’t entirely without reservations, though. He sent the questionnaire for the podcast back to the host with feedback: too structured, thrown together by AI—please put more effort into it. »I can always tell when it’s structured like that that it comes from AI.”

The Snowman in the Sun

The ZFF is 90 percent privately funded. So far, it has received half a million francs from the City of Zurich. Jungen doesn’t need subsidies like the Opera House’s 80 to 90 million, but he does need a stronger foundation. «Sponsorship is like a snowman in the sun. It’s still standing, but it’s getting a little smaller every day. And every loss could become a matter of survival.» That, he says, is what drives him to stay on his toes. For planning security and to fulfill its cultural mission, he would like to see a larger contribution from the city. Discussions are underway; the city council must give its approval.

The festival runs from September 24 to October 4, featuring 133 films, 46 world and European premieres, and 21 Swiss films—more than ever before. The first theme in 22 years is «Dream Big.» The festival will open with «Tenzing,» a film about the first ascent of Mount Everest starring Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe. The ZFF has never sold more tickets for any film. «The Swiss and the mountains—it’s just a great match,» says Jungen. Sylvester Stallone canceled his appearance for «I Play Rocky» because he’s filming a TV series, but promised in an email that he’d come next year. The email ended with two words that Jungen wants to print out and frame: «Keep punching.»

The podcast episode on Spotify

The full interview with Christian Jungen is available in «Soltis" Studiocast», the podcast by Christoph Soltmannowski, produced by Castalavista in Zurich-Glattpark.

The Zurich Film Festival has announced the members of this year’s competition juries. This year, the Zurich Film Festival jury will be led by two internationally renowned filmmakers: James Bond director Cary Joji Fukunaga will preside over the feature film competition jury, while Danish director and anthropologist Sine Plambech will head the documentary film competition jury. In both categories, fourteen films each—exclusively first, second, or third feature films—will compete for the Golden Eye, which comes with a prize of 25,000 Swiss francs.

Zurich Film Festival Jury: Fukunaga Returns to the Place Where He Made His Breakthrough

Cary Joji Fukunaga has long been associated with the ZFF: In 2009, his debut film *SIN NOMBRE* was screened in competition, and in 2021, his James Bond film *NO TIME TO DIE* celebrated its gala premiere in Zurich. Joining Fukunaga on the feature film jury are actress Ella Rumpf, director Fernando Eimbcke, producer Julie Billy, and film editor and director Walter Fasano.

«Both competitions are dedicated to emerging talent—directors at the beginning of their careers who are presenting their first works. Cary Joji Fukunaga was once in this very same position; his very first feature film, *SIN NOMBRE*, was in our competition in 2009, and he went on to have a highly successful career. In 2021, we had the honor of presenting his James Bond film *NO TIME TO DIE* as a gala premiere,» explains Reta Guetg, Festival Director of the ZFF.

Fukunaga's filmography also includes *Beasts of No Nation* and the film adaptation of Charlotte Brontë's *Jane Eyre*. He won an Emmy for Outstanding Directing for the series *True Detective*. Ella Rumpf, who grew up in Zurich, won the César Award and the Swiss Film Award in 2024 for *LE THÉORÈME DE MARGUERITE*. Fernando Eimbcke is considered one of Latin America’s most influential directors; his debut film, *DUCK SEASON*, premiered at Cannes in 2004. Julie Billy’s credits include *THE LITTLE SISTER*, which won the Queer Palm at Cannes. Walter Fasano won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for CALL ME BY YOUR NAME.

Plambech Returns as a Former Award Winner

Sine Plambech herself won the Golden Eye at the ZFF in 2018 for her documentary debut, *HEARTBOUND*. This year, she will present her latest film, *RESCUE*, in its European premiere in Zurich. «Danish director Sine Plambech will chair the jury for the documentary film competition. In her dual role as a filmmaker and anthropologist, she understands how documentary filmmaking shapes our view of society,» Guetg continued. «Now two filmmakers are returning as jury presidents. A typical ZFF story. We’re very pleased that Sine Plambech and Cary Joji Fukunaga, as filmmakers themselves, are taking the time to mentor the next generation.»

In addition to Plambech, the documentary film jury includes cinematographer Alfredo de Juan, producer Anne Köhncke, Swiss director Jela Hasler, and Austrian director and producer Nikolaus Geyrhalter, known for films such as *HOMO SAPIENS* and *UNSER TÄGLICH BROT*.

Competition films from around the world

The feature film competition includes, among others, *DUA* by Blerta Basholli, *SERIFE TAVSAN* by Tareq Daoud, and *SEVDA* by Ufuk Emiroglu. In the documentary competition, films such as *SCHRECKSCHRAUBE* by Simon David and *THE SIEGE OF PARADISE* by Gar O’Rourke are vying for the Golden Eye.

The Zurich Film Festival is the second-largest film festival in the German-speaking world and presents the latest film discoveries over the course of eleven days each fall. The 22nd edition will take place from September 24 to October 4, 2026.

https://zff.com

The Zurich Summit will take place from September 25 to 27, 2026, at The Dolder Grand as part of the 22nd edition of the Zurich Film Festival. According to the organizers, this boutique conference has established itself as the «Davos of the film industry,» where Hollywood meets Europe. Every year, international industry representatives gather to discuss the state of the business, while the event promotes networking and collaboration between the EMEA and U.S. markets.

Game Changer Award for Glen Basner

This year’s Zurich Summit will conclude with the Game Changer Award Conversation, featuring award winner Glen Basner, founder and CEO of FilmNation Entertainment, in conversation with director Edward Berger. Berger collaborated with Basner on the Academy Award®-nominated film «Conclave,» which was screened at the Zurich Film Festival in 2024 in the presence of Berger and Ralph Fiennes. The laudatory speech will be delivered by CAA Media Finance Co-Head Roeg Sutherland.

Edward Berger says: «It is a great honor to have been asked to moderate this year’s Game Changer Award discussion at the Zurich Summit—and with Glen Basner, the award has a more than deserving recipient. I had the great pleasure of meeting Glen during my very first job in the film industry—more than thirty years ago now. As a Swiss national, I always enjoy returning home, but especially to the ZFF.»

Roeg Sutherland adds: «The Summit is such a superbly curated gathering and plays a central role in the global film financing market. Glen possesses the rare ability to combine first-rate creative intuition with astute strategic thinking, all underpinned by a genuine love of cinema.»

Box Office Comeback After a Strong Summer

Bill Kramer, CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will deliver a keynote address on his vision for the Academy as a global film organization and the future of the Oscars®. He will then join a discussion with Kane Parsons, director of «Backrooms,» Robbie Brenner, President and Chief Content Officer of Mattel Studios and producer of «Barbie,» and Michael Barker, Co-President of Sony Pictures Classics, about the recovery of the box office following a summer that, according to the press release, saw a record-high gross of $4.76 billion. Other panelists include Nick Shumaker of Anonymous Content, Julie La’Bassiere of DDA, and John Sloss, founder and CEO of Cinetic Media.

Streaming, Mergers, and Media Entrepreneurship

Mubi founder and CEO Efe Cakarel will deliver a keynote address titled «Beyond Streaming: Building a Global Home for Cinema,» in which he will discuss Mubi’s development and the strategy behind building a global streaming service. He will then participate in a panel discussion with Elisabeth D’Arvieu, CEO of Mediawan Pictures, and Kevin Mayer, co-founder and co-CEO of Candle Media. The discussion will focus on scale and agility in building resilient media companies, as well as the role of mergers and acquisitions.

Artificial Intelligence as a Key Focus Area

The Zurich Summit will open with an AI session featuring a keynote address by Prof. Dr. Markus Gross from the Department of Computer Science at ETH Zurich. This will be followed by a fireside chat between Eline van der Velden, founder and CEO of Particle 6, and her viral AI creation, Tilly Norwood. Nathalia Ramos An, co-founder of the Creators Coalition on AI, will moderate a panel on «How AI Transforms Creativity» featuring Vania Schlogel of Atwater Capital and Magnific, as well as Zack London—known as Gossip Goblin and director of «Gods Don’t Give Gifts»— a feature film generated entirely by AI that will be released in U.S. theaters on October 30 through the company’s own distribution. Also participating is filmmaker Nick Holt, who will be a guest at the Zurich Film Festival with his documentary «AI: Probably Nothing to Worry About.».

Global Storytelling and Strategic Investments

Romain Bessi, CEO of The Creatives, will open a session on European production alliances. Following that, Martin Moszkowicz, Janine Jackowski of Komplizen Film—producer of Joachim Trier’s Academy Award®-winning film «Sentimental Value»—and Rena Ronson of the UTA Independent Film Group will discuss global storytelling, from filmmaking to the market. In another session, CAA Executive David Taghioff will moderate a panel discussion on strategic investments with Andrea Scarso of IPR.VC, Sarah Schweitzman of CAA Media Finance, Alex Walton, and Raj Singh, co-founder and CEO of Media Capital Technologies.

YouTube and TikTok as Marketing Tools

Andreas Briese, Managing Director of YouTube Germany, will deliver a keynote speech on the importance of the creator economy in the media sector. Hasmik Matinyan, TikTok Publisher Manager for Entertainment in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH), will use the film *Backrooms* as an example in her keynote, «From Community to Box Office: How Fandom on TikTok Drives Impact,» using the film «Backrooms» as an example to demonstrate how communities and creators drive discovery and fandom around film brands—and how Constantin Film leverages this for its film marketing. Following the keynote, Oliver Berben and Linda Fiolka, Head of Marketing at Constantin Film, will speak with Matinyan in a discussion moderated by Don Macanlalay of The Film Zone.

The Zurich Film Festival will take place from September 24 to October 4, 2026. Confirmed festival guests include Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, Casey Affleck, Willem Dafoe, Tom Hiddleston, and Olivia Colman, as well as directors Richard Linklater, Martin McDonagh, Jesse Eisenberg, and Jean-Pierre Jeunet.

For more information about the Zurich Summit and the Zurich Film Festival: https://zff.com

Just a few more days until the Zurich Film Festival kicks off: Managing Director Mehmet Inan is in the thick of preparations. In this interview, he talks about what’s new this year, how AI is helping behind the scenes, why he believes the ZFF has long since ceased to be just an 11-day event—and what he’d rather not reveal.

m&k Just a few more days until the Zurich Film Festival kicks off. How are you all doing?

Mehmet Inan: We’re in good shape; we’re ready to go. The program has already been released, and tickets go on sale September 14. This year we’re running a campaign with the Corso Cinema—the theater is a Swiss institution, and we want to honor that. There are T-shirts, mugs, pens, and lighters featuring «We love Corso.» We’re expanding from Switzerland out into the world and have strong partnerships with many Swiss brands, as well as international ones—such as TikTok.

Is it stressful so close to the start?

Last week was «the week from hell»—crazy. You have to finalize the schedule, manage the guests at the same time, handle client events, and juggle multiple tasks all at once.

What's new this year? What's changing?

Of course, we have our new partners: Sunrise, which we’re actively featuring, and Mercedes with new stories, especially at the Award Night. Then there’s our new partner, Gisada—you can see this, for example, on the trams in Zurich: we organized two ourselves, and Gisada added a third. That’s exactly where marketing begins for me: when the partner gets on board and we promote the stories together much more intensively. We have Nespresso as our coffee partner, San Pellegrino as our water partner—and on the other hand, partners like Gisada, a perfume manufacturer from Winterthur.

You operate internationally, but you bring a lot of things together at the local level—would that be an accurate way to put it?

You could put it that way. The important thing is: We’re here for Zurich, for Switzerland, and for the world.

The Lineup

Who's coming this year?

Willem Dafoe, Naomi Watts, Julianne Moore—these are, of course, big names. Then there’s the Albanian superstar and musician Noizy, who stars in the film «Blood Money,» a story not unlike his own: He was a street fighter, emigrated to England after the war, and had to fight his way through. «Blood Money» is a German production and is having its world premiere here.

Which of the stars needs the most support?

I can't really say for sure. I think, above all, they need time to themselves—that's important. That's the great thing about Zurich: you can be anonymous. Kate Winslet, for example, stayed at the Baur au Lac and just jumped into the lake the next day. She could hardly do that anywhere else.

Mehmet's Own Story

Tell me your story.

I was born in Switzerland, but many years ago, that was a huge challenge as the child of a Turkish family. I was born here, but you’re still always the foreigner and have to fight your way through. That was a difficult situation. Many others who came to Switzerland from the Balkans during the conflict—such as Xherdan Shaqiri or Granit Xhaka—experienced something similar. That’s why the film «Blood Money» is also personally important to me.

Numbers, Competition, and Selection

How many movies will be shown in total?

We’re screening 133 films—some of which will be shown once or twice, bringing the total number of screenings to 390. In addition, there’s the competition, as well as the galas and premieres—featuring stars such as Julianne Moore and Naomi Watts. These films are screened out of competition; the award presented there is an honorary prize, not the competition prize.

Who decides which movies will be shown, and when does the selection process begin?

The most important point: We screen films that are having at least one Swiss premiere. Then things get going relatively quickly—starting with Sundance and many other festivals. Festival Director Reta Guetg and her team screen the films, as does Christian Jungen. In total, the programming team watched around 4,000 films this year. This year, we’re screening 46 films that are having their world or European premieres here.

The motto «Dream Big»

Who actually comes up with the theme for the year?

Actually, the whole team, but most of the time it comes from management. Christian is very innovative in this regard; thanks to his journalistic perspective, he has a keen sense for it. We discuss things at length and break down topics until we figure out the next step. «Dream Big» fits well with our opening film, TENZING, about the first ascent of Everest, and also with the film I PLAY ROCKY, which is about actually trying to make your dreams come true. Of course, it’s also a great fit for a partner like Sunrise.

AI in Action

What role does AI play for you—not in the movies, but in your day-to-day business?

We started exploring AI relatively early on to become more efficient—primarily to collect and understand more data. My team and I built our own AI-powered dashboard: We can see exactly who is buying what and when, how different promotions are performing, and where people drop off in the purchasing process. Here’s an example: We sell about 45 percent of our tickets on the first day of sales. The question is how we can further optimize this using AI—including determining when we should start our promotional campaign. We also rely heavily on AI in our customer-facing work: I no longer create presentations the traditional way with PowerPoint; instead, I use AI to generate visuals that show what a campaign might look like at the Frauenbadi or the Corso—it practically explains itself to the client. But one thing is clear: the creativity, the relationships, the people—that’s still all up to us.

Does this mean that AI is now taking on tasks that used to be outsourced to agencies?

That’s a good question, and it’s actually two stories. The traditional world of advertising and media agencies is all about numbers, but behind the scenes, creativity is also increasingly based on data. I believe we’ll still need agencies, but the pressure on them is growing—including when it comes to pricing. At the same time, I believe there are certain things we increasingly need to be able to control ourselves. For us, that’s a bit easier because I know the media business well. For creative work, we’re still working with Publicis, but we’re increasingly handling the execution ourselves. The pressure on agencies is growing—but they also need to deliver more innovation and creativity.

What Makes the ZFF Special

What sets the ZFF apart from other festivals?

Compared to many other major festivals like Cannes, Berlin, or Venice, which are heavily B2B-oriented, we’re a social, public festival. You can just drop by and watch movies. What’s more, the stars love coming to Zurich, and our programming team—led by Reta and Christian—has a great eye for the right films, as was the case last year with «The Secret Agent,» which went on to win the Golden Prize at Cannes and had already received wide screenings here. Furthermore, we’re run as a business—Christian Jungen is the majority shareholder, along with other co-owners. That makes many things easier and faster: We don’t have to go through lengthy political decision-making processes; instead, we select the films we believe in.

The *Guardian* once wrote that the ZFF is something like the rising star among the major festivals …

Exactly, it was a top-ten ranking, and the headline basically said that Venice or Cannes is the «grandmother» of film festivals, and Zurich is the teenager. I think that’s a lovely image.

A Secret

Is there anything that hardly anyone knows about the ZFF?

The first festival wasn't actually called the Zurich Film Festival. It wasn't until a year after it was founded that it was renamed the Zurich Film Festival.

The Booming Movie Market and TikTok

How are things generally going at Swiss movie theaters right now?

Very good—we reported last week that movie theater attendance rose by 15 percent, the best result overall since 2019. For example, people lined up for eight days to see «Odyssey,» and the IMAX showing was sold out.

What role does your TikTok partnership play in this?

We have a strategic partnership with TikTok that we’re really putting to use for the first time this year—including featuring live TikTokers on the green carpet and at the Awards Night. This is crucial for us because we need to become younger and trendier. It’s important to remember: Over a billion people worldwide are active on TikTok.

A Year at a Glance

How do you see the future of the festival—will it remain at eleven days a year?

I believe the future of a festival is moving toward a 365-day model. Through social media and the medium of film itself, we can create touchpoints throughout the entire year, not just during the eleven days of the festival. One example was our collaboration with Denner around a film related to the World Cup, where we were on board as a credible partner for their short film «The Socceritos» because players like Granit Xhaka are «world stars» in their own right. These are exactly the kinds of touchpoints we want to create with our partners—Mercedes, Sunrise, UBS, NZZ, and the Glattzentrum—throughout the entire year. It’s also important to note that the festival takes place during the most crucial period for the advertising industry—September through October, extending into late October and early November. This is the approach we must adopt as a company going forward: telling the story throughout the entire year, not just over eleven days.

What Advertisers Are Missing

Does M&K's target audience actually know what they're missing out on if they don't attend the ZFF?

I think many people know us only superficially, but not in depth—what opportunities are available as a main partner, a collaboration partner, or through activations, customer events, or our own merchandise. That’s why I’ve developed a new format this year: «Meets ZFF,» which will take place every year going forward. On October 2, starting at 11 a.m., we’ll be showcasing the possibilities and innovations surrounding the ZFF at the Festival Center of the Advertising Industry; Christian will be there, and maybe a celebrity will join us, too. To give you an idea of the scale: Since August, we’ve had over 20 million views on our website and nearly 250,000 interactions. Engagement stands at over 60 percent—those interested in the festival do their research beforehand, come to the festival center, stay there, and only then head to the theater. That’s quite different from watching a movie at home on Netflix. The target audience is also often underestimated: The film «Blood Money» featuring Noizy, for example, appeals to a very young, extreme Gen Z audience—which is particularly exciting for certain clients. And you don’t necessarily have to buy the big sponsorship package: We also create customized, smaller formats for partners, ranging all the way down to a private dinner with a guest. You can’t just buy that off the shelf—I believe that’s one of our strengths.

How important are Swiss partners and products in this context?

Very important. We have San Pellegrino as a Swiss brand, Vital Protein from Nestlé—which is making its debut here this year—and Freitag bags as partners. For the festival center, we also have a new furniture partner and—as a small personal project of mine—a specially designed scent room intended to further enhance the atmosphere.

Zurich Film Festival

The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) is the second-largest film festival in the German-speaking world and, every fall, presents the year’s most remarkable discoveries and most anticipated films over the course of eleven days. It fosters dialogue between emerging directors, established filmmakers, the film industry, and the audience.

The 22nd edition will take place from September 24 to October 4, 2026.

More information: Zurich Film Festival | ZFF Industry

John Turturro Golden Eye Award: ZFF Honors One of the Most Distinctive Actors of His Generation

The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) is honoring John Turturro with the Golden Eye Award for his performance in *THE ONLY LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK*, directed by Noah Segan. Turturro will accept the award in person in Zurich on September 26, 2026. The following day, September 27, he will offer insights into his long-standing acting and film career as part of a ZFF Masters screening.

John Turturro looks back on a career spanning more than four decades, during which he has appeared in an extraordinary range of genres. He has collaborated with some of the most renowned filmmakers in contemporary cinema, including Joel and Ethan Coen, Martin Scorsese, Robert Redford, Robert De Niro, Nanni Moretti, and Pedro Almodóvar.

From «Do the Right Thing» to the iconic role of Jesus Quintana

Turturro first gained international recognition through his collaboration with Spike Lee on films such as *Do the Right Thing* and *Jungle Fever*. His repeated collaborations with Joel and Ethan Coen on films such as *Miller’s Crossing*, *Barton Fink*, *O Brother, Where Art Thou?*, and *The Big Lebowski* were particularly influential. In the latter, he portrayed the iconic character Jesus Quintana. For his leading role in *BARTON FINK*, he was awarded the Best Actor prize at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival as well as the David di Donatello Award.

His diverse filmography also includes Francesco Rosi’s *The Truce*, Robert Redford’s *Quiz Show*, Martin Scorsese’s *The Color of Money*, Robert De Niro’s *The Good Shepherd*, Pedro Almodóvar’s *The Room Next Door*, and Matt Reeves‘ *The Batman*. Later, he reprised the role of Quintana in *THE JESUS ROLLS*—a film for which he also wrote the screenplay and directed. He made his directorial debut with *MAC*, for which he received the Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. His other works as a screenwriter and director include *ILLUMINATA*, *ROMANCE & CIGARETTES*, *PASSIONE*, and *FADING GIGOLO*.

Turturro has also enjoyed great success in television. He won an Emmy Award for his guest appearance on *Monk*. For the HBO series *The Night Of*, in which he played defense attorney John Stone, he was nominated for an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award. Other productions include the HBO series *THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA* as well as the Apple TV+ series *MR. & MRS. SMITH* and *SEVERANCE*, for which he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy in both seasons.

A film about New York—by a native New Yorker

According to the press release, in *THE ONLY LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK*, Turturro carries the film from the first minute to the last. ZFF CEO Christian Jungen explains the rationale behind the award as follows: «John Turturro is a cult actor who has made an indelible mark with films like *BARTON FINK* and *THE BIG LEBOWSKI*—his characters stay with you forever. In *THE ONLY LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK*, he carries the film from the first minute to the last, while at the same time turning it into a deeply personal declaration of love for his hometown.»

Turturro himself explains his connection to the material: «Noah’s screenplay and the world he created in *THE ONLY LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK* immediately spoke to me. The film builds palpable tension as time works against Harry, combining this with a finely drawn, character-driven story set in a very specific place and time in New York. As a native and lifelong New Yorker, I found this world to be particularly rich and atmospheric.»

The Golden Eye Award at the Zurich Film Festival

With the Golden Eye Award, the Zurich Film Festival honors actors and actresses who have made a significant impact on the current film year and who, through their body of work, are among the most influential performers of their time. Past recipients include Jude Law, Kristen Stewart, Dakota Johnson, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Benedict Cumberbatch.

For more information about the Zurich Film Festival and the program, visit: https://zff.com

Luna Wedler and the Golden Eye Award: A Woman from Zurich on the International Stage

The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) is honoring Swiss actress Luna Wedler with the Golden Eye Award. Federal Councilor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider will present her with the award during the Opening Night on September 24. This makes Wedler the first Swiss woman to receive this award—and the youngest recipient in the award’s history. With the Luna Wedler Golden Eye Award, the ZFF honors a career that began eleven years ago at this very festival.

Eleven years ago, at the age of 15, Wedler made her film debut in *AMATEUR TEENS*—and thus celebrated her first premiere at the Zurich Film Festival. The film won the Audience Award there. Today, the Zurich native is one of the most renowned actresses of her generation in the German-speaking world and has long since made a name for herself internationally as well. A total of eight films starring Luna Wedler have since premiered at the ZFF.

From Zurich to the World: Milestones in a Remarkable Career

Luna Wedler was born in Zurich in 1999. At age 14, out of curiosity, she auditioned for Niklaus Hilber’s *AMATEUR TEENS* and landed the role of Milena. She made an international splash with her very first leading role in Lisa Brühlmann’s *BLUE MY MIND* (2017). For her portrayal of Mia, she was awarded the Swiss Film Prize for Best Actress in 2018. BLUE MY MIND also premiered at the Zurich Film Festival, where it won the Golden Eye in the competition. That same year, Wedler was named a European Shooting Star at the Berlinale.

Since then, she has moved with ease between sophisticated feature films, international TV series, and major genre films. She played leading roles in *JE SUIS KARL* and *22 BAHNEN* and portrayed the German resistance fighter in the web series *ICH BIN SOPHIE SCHOLL*. Internationally, she became known to a wide audience as the lead actress in the Netflix series *BIOHACKERS* and most recently appeared in the series *ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE*.

In 2025, another highlight of her career came with *Silent Friend* by Ildikó Enyedi. The film premiered in the competition section of the Venice Film Festival, where Wedler was awarded the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actress for her performance.

Two New Productions at the ZFF 2026

At this year’s Zurich Film Festival, Wedler is featured in two productions—making her a perfect example of the festival’s motto, «Dream Big.» In Frauke Finsterwalder’s *EUROTRASH*, she plays the driver for a writer who is traveling through Switzerland with his seriously ill mother. She also lends her voice to a character in the animated film *DE RÄGEBOGEFISCH*.

ZFF CEO Christian Jungen puts the significance of the award into perspective: «Luna Wedler is the first Swiss actress to receive our Golden Eye Award—an honor that in recent years has gone to Charlotte Gainsbourg, Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, and Dakota Johnson. Luna is from Zurich; she launched her international career from our beautiful city and is known for her great versatility. She always infuses her characters with energy and charisma and captivates us time and time again.»

Festival Director Reta Guetg adds: «In a very short time, she has become one of the most versatile actresses of her generation. Like no other, she immerses herself in her roles with her entire being and body. With this Golden Eye Award, we are honoring an artist who is just at the beginning of a great career.»

Luna Wedler herself is visibly moved: «It’s wonderful to be honored by the Zurich Film Festival, which has been with me and supported me since the beginning of my career. I can’t put into words how much this award means to me.»

The Golden Eye Award at the Zurich Film Festival

With the Golden Eye Award, the Zurich Film Festival honors actresses and actors who have made a significant impact on the current film year and who, based on their body of work to date, are among the most relevant performers of their time. Past recipients include Jude Law, Kristen Stewart, and Dakota Johnson, among others.

The ZFF is the second-largest film festival in the German-speaking world and, every fall, presents the year’s most delightful discoveries and most anticipated films over the course of eleven days. The 22nd edition will take place from September 24 to October 4, 2026.

For more information about the ZFF, visit: https://zff.com

Zurich Summit 2026: High-Profile Speakers at the Dolder Grand

The Zurich Summit 2026 brings together some of the most influential figures in the international film and media industry: Kane Parsons, director of *BACKROOMS*; Bill Kramer (CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences); Kevin Mayer (co-founder and co-CEO of Candle Media); Elisabeth d’Arvieu (CEO of Mediawan Pictures and Group Chief Content Officer), Efe Cakarel (founder and CEO of MUBI), and Eline van der Velden (founder and CEO of Particle 6) are among the confirmed speakers. The boutique event will take place from September 25 to 27, 2026, at the Dolder Grand—as part of the 22nd edition of the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF), which runs from September 24 to October 4, 2026.

Also in attendance are Roeg Sutherland and Sarah Schweitzman from CAA Media Finance, as well as Rena Ronson, partner and head of the UTA Independent Film Group, Alex Brunner from UTA, and Alex Walton, former co-head and partner at WME Independent. This means that all three major agencies in the industry are represented.

The Creator Economy, AI, and a Box Office Comeback

The Zurich Summit 2026 places a strong emphasis on the creator economy—with a special focus on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, both of which will have a presence at the event. The ZFF also recently announced a partnership with TikTok LIVE to bring behind-the-scenes content from the festival to a global audience of more than one billion people. Other key themes of the program include artificial intelligence, the revival of the movie theater box office, and building resilient media companies amid a period of industry-wide transformation.

Kane Parsons—director of *BACKROOMS*, A24’s most successful film to date, with the strongest opening weekend and highest box office gross of all time, on an estimated production budget of $10 million and worldwide gross of more than $395 million – will join Bill Kramer on a panel to discuss the comeback of the theatrical box office. Kramer will open the session with a keynote address on his vision for the Academy as a growing global film organization and on the future of the Oscars, which are set to be streamed exclusively on YouTube starting in 2029.

In a keynote address, Efe Cakarel will discuss MUBI’s development and the strategy behind building a global streaming service, production company, and distribution arm in conjunction with a community of cinephiles. Afterward, he will join a panel discussion with Elisabeth d’Arvieu and Kevin Mayer to discuss scaling and agility in building resilient media companies, as well as the role of mergers and acquisitions.

AI Panel Featuring ETH Zurich and the Return of Eline van der Velden

Eline van der Velden, creator of the AI actress Tilly Norwood, was a guest at the conference last year. Her AI panel at that time garnered worldwide media attention. Now she is returning as a speaker and will chat with Tilly in a fireside chat. For this year’s AI panel, the Zurich Film Festival has partnered with ETH Zurich. The panel will be moderated by Nathalia Ramos An, Associate Director of Studio B at the Berggruen Institute and co-founder of the Creators Coalition on AI (CCAI).

Game Changer Award for Glen Basner

Glen Basner, founder and CEO of FilmNation Entertainment, will receive the Game Changer Award in 2026. Previous recipients include Tom Quinn (CEO of NEON), Roeg Sutherland (Co-Head of CAA Media Finance and International Film Group), Michael Barker and Tom Bernard (co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics), Pam Abdy (co-CEO and co-chair of the Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group), and Patrick Wachsberger.

As the official media partner of the Zurich Summit, Deadline will be on site to cover the panels, moderate discussions, and offer exclusive interviews via Deadline Studio.

The «Davos of the Film Industry»

The Zurich Summit has established itself as the «Davos of the film industry»—a meeting place where Hollywood meets Europe. Attendance is deliberately limited to 150 people, and accreditations are granted exclusively to high-ranking executives in the international film industry.

Festival Director Reta Guetg, who has been responsible for curating the program alongside her team for the past ten years, explains the festival’s focus as follows: «The Zurich Film Festival was named one of the ten best festivals in Europe by the British newspaper The Guardian and recognized as a trendsetter. While we focus on technology and innovation, our commitment to cinema and the in-theater experience remains as strong as ever.» She continues: «The Summit isn’t just about conversation. It’s also about collaboration, concrete action, and deal-making.»

ZFF CEO Christian Jungen emphasizes the exclusivity of the event: «The Zurich Summit is a business-focused event for many national and international decision-makers. In recent years, numerous participants have used the Summit to establish contacts with investors or significantly increase the value of their companies.»

Program co-curator Jean de Meuron assists Guetg with the program’s content. The Zurich Film Festival is the second-largest film festival in the German-speaking world and, over the course of eleven days each fall, showcases current film productions as well as emerging and established filmmakers.

More information: https://www.zff.com

TikTok Brings the Green Carpet to the World Live

As part of the partnership, two TikTok LIVE creators will be covering the festival on-site in Zurich. They’ll be streaming live from the fan zone and the press line on the Green Carpet, giving their community a glimpse into the special atmosphere at the Zurich Film Festival. The collaboration is complemented by a dedicated TikTok LIVE campaign as well as an off-platform campaign, which further amplifies the Zurich Film Festival’s existing content and reaches new target audiences. This turns the Green Carpet into a shared live experience not only for guests on-site but also for film fans worldwide.

New Media Strategy Is Paying Off

The partnership with TikTok is part of the Zurich Film Festival’s consistent new media strategy with a “digital-first” focus. The goal is to sustainably expand the festival’s reach, appeal to new target audiences, and position the ZFF as a brand that remains relevant year-round in the digital space.

During the previous edition of the festival, the ZFF achieved an ’owned reach’ of approximately 12 million contacts through its own social media channels. Thanks to a consistent content strategy throughout the year, monthly reach tripled compared to the previous year. At the same time, the community grew across all channels from 163,000 to over 207,000 followers (as of July 2026).

The partnership with TikTok builds on this trend and further enhances the festival’s international visibility. At the same time, it creates new points of contact with a new, digital audience and makes the Zurich Film Festival an experience that extends far beyond the festival dates.

«The Zurich Film Festival stands for great films, international encounters, and unforgettable moments. Under this year’s theme, ‚Dream Big,‘ we want to bring stories and emotions to life far beyond Zurich. With TikTok, we can share these moments even more directly with a global audience for the first time. This partnership is a key component of our New Media Strategy and enables us to reach younger audiences in particular where they discover films, stories, and cultural experiences today. This way, we’re bringing the festival to life for film fans around the world—live, authentically, and in real time,» said Mehmet Inan, Managing Director of Spoundation Motion Picture AG.

The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) is the second-largest film festival in the German-speaking world and, every fall, presents the year’s most delightful discoveries and most anticipated films over the course of 11 days. It fosters dialogue between emerging directors, established filmmakers, the film industry, and the audience. The 22nd edition will take place from September 24 to October 4, 2026. For more information: Zurich Film Festival | ZFF Industry

Zurich Film Festival Gains Three New Partners for 2026

The Zurich Film Festival is expanding its partner network and welcoming three new renowned brands for the 22nd edition of the festival: Gisada, S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, and KIKO Milano are joining the ZFF as new Zurich Film Festival partners. The festival will take place from September 24 to October 4, 2026.

Managing Director Mehmet Inan is delighted with the new additions: «We are very pleased to have three more renowned partners—Gisada, S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, and KIKO Milano—joining the Zurich Film Festival. They stand for excellence, innovation, and international relevance—values that also define the ZFF. Together, we’ll bring fresh energy and create unforgettable moments for our audience, the international film community, and the city of Zurich.»

Gisada: Co-partner and the face of Opening Night

Gisada is joining the ZFF as a new co-partner and will also serve as the Official Opening Night Partner. According to a festival press release, the Swiss fragrance house stands for timeless elegance, exceptional quality, and international appeal. Throughout the festival, Gisada will have its own pop-up store at the festival center on Sechseläutenplatz.

S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna as New Beverage Partners

S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are joining the festival as new beverage partners. The two internationally renowned mineral water brands will support the ZFF throughout the festival and, according to a press release, will be present at events such as the ZFF Masters and the press conferences. Both brands are known worldwide for their exceptional quality, enjoyment, and Italian hospitality, making them a perfect fit for the festival’s premium standards.

KIKO Milano Brings Glamour to the Opening and Award Night

KIKO Milano is joining the Zurich Film Festival as a new cooperation partner. The international beauty brand will create special moments of glamour at the Opening Night and the Award Night. In exclusive touch-up lounges, festivalgoers will have the opportunity to have their looks professionally refreshed so they’re ready to walk the green carpet.