Zurich Film Festival Celebrates 21st Edition, Aims for Awards Prestige

The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) is marking its 21st edition this week, running from September 28 to October 5, 2023. With a renewed focus under new private ownership, the festival is positioning itself as a significant player on the awards-season circuit. Artistic director Christian Jungen, who spearheaded a management buyout earlier this year, aims to elevate Zurich’s status as an essential stop for filmmakers and studios seeking recognition for their work.

Jungen emphasizes that festivals are not merely events but crucial platforms to promote films. “Festivals aren’t an end in themselves,” he states. “They’re there to help films. We want to generate buzz, but also help fall titles aiming for Oscars gain prestige and publicity.”

The ZFF strategically occupies a prime location in the festival calendar, bridging the gap between major events in Venice and Toronto, and later London. This timing allows films to maintain momentum during the crowded fall season. “Going to L.A. four times a year, I’ve noticed our standing has changed,” Jungen remarks, highlighting the growing recognition of Zurich as a launching pad for Oscar and Golden Globe contenders.

This year’s festival lineup showcases a total of 115 titles, which includes 40 world and European premieres. Among the anticipated screenings are the European premieres of potential Oscar contenders like Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine, featuring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, and Nia DaCosta’s Hedda, starring Tessa Thompson. Other notable films include Derek Cianfrance’s Roofman, with Channing Tatum, and James Vanderbilt’s Nuremberg, which will be presented by Russell Crowe.

The festival’s appeal extends beyond its film selection; many industry heavyweights are expected to attend. Colin Farrell will present The Ballad of a Small Player, while Wagner Moura will showcase The Secret Agent. The festival will open with Dakota Johnson presenting Michael Angelo Covino’s Splitsville, where she will also receive the ZFF’s Golden Eye award for career achievement.

One of the festival’s notable developments is its increasing attraction for Academy members. Jungen notes the significance of Academy members receiving notifications about Zurich screenings. “It’s nice to see how Academy members now get blasts listing Zurich screenings,” he explains. “Last year, we had over 150 Academy members in town during Summit weekend.” This gathering provides a unique opportunity for these members to watch films that they might miss at other festivals due to scheduling conflicts.

Despite its ambitions, the ZFF faces challenges, particularly in funding and infrastructure. Unlike larger festivals such as Berlin or Cannes, which receive substantial state backing, Zurich is primarily financed through private means, with 90 percent of its budget coming from private sources. “Each year, raising the full budget is a challenge,” Jungen acknowledges, although he proudly reports securing 10 new sponsors for this year.

Festival vice director Reta Guetg highlights infrastructure as another concern, pointing out that while the festival is growing, the venues are getting smaller or undergoing reconstruction. “We’re growing and need more space,” she states.

Ultimately, both directors agree that the festival’s success hinges on the quality of its programming. “You need good films, so sponsors’ guests have a great experience,” Jungen says. He recalls a previous success: “Last year, I brought many C-level executives to Conclave. They were thrilled, and the film went on to win an Oscar. That gives Zurich credibility.”

As the ZFF kicks off its 21st edition, it is clear that the festival is not only celebrating its coming of age but also striving for a lasting impact in the film industry.