Zurich Film Festival

Kristen Stewart is one of the most influential actresses of her generation. At the age of eleven, she appeared alongside Jodie Foster in PANIC ROOM. She made her big breakthrough with the role of Bella Swan in the film adaptation of the TWILIGHT series. In later projects such as SEBERG, CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA, and STILL ALICE, she demonstrated her versatility. She was nominated for an Oscar in 2022...

Ethan Hawke joined us at #ZFF2023 for a ZFF Masters conversation about his multifaceted career. As he is now nominated for the 2026 Oscars for his performance in BLUE MOON, it feels like the perfect moment to revisit this episode #FromTheArchive. A quick note: we experienced some technical issues during the recording of this episode, but the conversation was far too good to keep in the vault. Hawk...

Der Schweizer Regisseur Rolf Lyssy gehört mit seinem beeindruckenden Œuvre aus Spiel- und Dokumentarfilmen zählt Rolf Lyssy zu den herausragenden Filmemachern der Schweiz. So gehört sein Meisterwerk DIE SCHWEIZERMACHER bis heute zu den erfolgreichsten Schweizer Filmen. Weitere grosse Erfolge feierte er mit Dialektkomödien wie TEDDY BÄR und LEO SONNYBOY. Gleichzeitig widmete er sich gesellschaftlic...

British actress Claire Foy is one of Europe's most versatile character actresses. Known for her portrayal of young Queen Elizabeth II in the award-winning Netflix production THE CROWN (2016–2023) and works in films like THE SEASON OF THE WITCH (2011), WOMEN TALKING (2022) and ALL OF US STRANGERS (2023), she earned praise by critics world wide. In this ZFF Masters episode, she shares personal stori...

In this ZFF Masters session, Scottish actor James McAvoy reflects on his journey as an actor, his Scottish roots, and what art means to him. He discusses how defining roles in films such as THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, X-MEN, and ATONEMENT shaped his career and artistic identity, and shares insights into his directorial debut CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN'. Renowned for his remarkable range, James McAvoy is one...

In this ZFF Masters episode, Benedict Cumberbatch reflects on the experiences and creative decisions that shaped his career. He speaks about the lasting impact of iconic roles such as Sherlock and Doctor Strange, and shares insights into his work as a producer and what storytelling beyond acting means to him. Charisma, intelligence, and an unmistakable voice define Benedict Cumberbatch, CBE, as on...

In this ZFF Masters episode, Amanda Seyfried reflects on the roles and experiences that have shaped her into one of the most beloved and versatile performers of our time. She discusses the impact of iconic films like MAMMA MIA! and MEAN GIRLS and shares behind-the-scenes stories from fan-favourite projects. She also offers insights into her latest film, THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE which she presented...

In this ZFF Masters episode, actor and producer Dakota Johnson talks to ZFF Co-Owner Max Loong, reflecting on how growing up in a film family shaped her artistic instincts and professional path. She discusses the founding of her production company TeaTime Pictures – a company powered primarily by women – and offers behind-the-scenes insight into the eclectic range of projects she has taken on thro...

In this ZFF Masters session, four-time Oscar-nominated writer and director Noah Baumbach reflects on how real life and personal relationships shape his filmmaking. He discusses his latest comedy JAY KELLY revisits films such as FRANCES HA and THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, and speaks about what collaborating with longtime creative partners like Wes Anderson and Greta Gerwig means to him. Noah Baumbach i...

In this ZFF Masters session, Brazilian actor and director Wagner Moura discusses his latest film THE SECRET AGENT and his collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho. Moura reflects on his most iconic roles, including Pablo Escobar in NARCOS , and shares how he brings a piece of Brazil to every job he takes, even in international films. He also offers candid insights into his appr...

In this ZFF Masters session, Academy Award–winning actor and filmmaker Russell Crowe discusses his latest film NUREMBERG, which opens in US cinemas on November 7. He also reflects on what he loves most about his craft and shares memories from the making of classics such as GLADIATOR and ROBIN HOOD. Crowe offers candid insights into his decades-long career and what continues to inspire him as a sto...

In this ZFF Masters session, Irish actor Colin Farrell reflects on his remarkable journey through over two decades in film — from his early days on set to becoming one of the most versatile performers of his generation. Farrell shares insights into the making of BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER , his latest collaboration with filmmaker Edward Berger, and what acting has given him over the years. He also l...

In this ZFF Masters* 2025 session, award-winning composer Hildur Guðnadóttir talks to composer Mirjam Skal about her distinctive approach to film scoring, her latest work on the film HEDDA, her iconic Academy Award–winning music for JOKER , the role of women in film music , and what inspires her future work. HEDDA will be available for streaming on Amazon prime from October 29.   With her singular...

In this ZFF Masters session, filmmaker  Edward Berger talks to festival director Christian Jungen about his new film BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER , collaborating with Colin Farrell , turning down OCEAN'S 14 , and his journey from German film to international cinema — including his deep connection to Switzerland . The writer-director, known for his emotionally rich and visually precise storytelling, Be...

Es ist wieder so weit – die schönste Zeit des Jahres für alle Filmfans steht vor der Tür. Vom 25. September bis zum 5. Oktober 2025 findet das 21. Zurich Film Festival statt. Der grüne Teppich wird ausgerollt und wie immer erwarten uns Filme mit Oscar-Potenzial, hochkarätige Gäste und jede Menge Filmperlen aus aller Welt. In dieser Episode sprechen Festival Director Christian Jungen und Anja Fröhn...

Alicia Vikander is one of the most talented actresses of her generation. The Swedish Oscar winner has captivated audiences with her versatility, starring in everything from historical dramas such as THE DANISH GIRL to action-packed blockbusters like TOMB RAIDER. At the Zurich Film Festival 2024 , she returned to present her latest film alongside director Fleur Fortuné : THE ASSESSMENT , a gripping...

As part of the ZFF Masters, our audience gathers to watch talks with actors, directors, screenwriters and other filmmakers. In this episode, Pamela Anderson is our guest. Pamela Anderson is a Canadian American actress, model and activist. She rose to international fame in the 1990s with her role as lifeguard C.J. Parker in the hit series BAYWATCH. However, her breakthrough came earlier, during the...

As part of the ZFF Masters, our audience gathers to watch talks with actors, directors, screenwriters and other filmmakers. In this episode, Jude Law is our guest. Jude Law has already worked with numerous renowned directors such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Wes Anderson and has appeared in classics of film history such as THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY (1999), THE HOLIDAY (2006), SHERLOCK HO...

Im Rahmen der ZFF Masters findet sich unser Publikum in einem Kinosaal ein, um Talks mit Schauspielern, Regisseurinnen, Drehbuchautorinnen oder anderen Filmschaffenden zu verfolgen. In dieser Folge ist Howard Shore zu Gast. Howard Shore ist einer der renommiertesten Komponisten unserer Zeit und ein Ausnahmetalent, dessen Werke Filmgeschichte geschrieben haben und dessen Musik in Konzertsälen auf d...

Sandro Meyer von Swiss Pioneers hat im Rahmen des 20. ZFF Tim Fehlbaum interviewt. Der Basler Regisseur steckt hinter dem Meisterwerk SEPTEMBER 5, das gerade international begeistert und als heisser Favorit im Rennen um die Oscars gilt. Im Interview gibt der Filmemacher Einblick in seine Arbeit. Er erzählt davon, wie die Idee zu SEPTEMBER 5 entstand und welche Herausforderungen und schönen Momente...

Im Rahmen der ZFF Masters findet sich unser Publikum in einem Kinosaal ein, um Talks mit Schauspielern, Regisseurinnen, Drehbuchautorinnen oder anderen Filmschaffenden zu verfolgen. In dieser Folge ist Emil Steinberger zu Gast. Seit Jahrzehnten begeistert der gebürtige Luzerner mit seinen Sketchen nicht nur das Publikum diesseits und jenseits des Röstigrabens, sondern auch weit über die Landesgren...

Rückblick auf das Kinojahr 2024: In dieser Podcastfolge werfen unser Artistic Director Christian Jungen und unsere Head of Programme & Guests Anja Fröhner einen Blick zurück auf ein bewegtes Filmjahr mit Lieblingsfilmen, Oscar-Favoriten und der einen oder anderen Überraschung.

Im Rahmen der ZFF Masters findet sich unser Publikum in einem Kinosaal ein, um Talks mit Schauspielern, Regisseurinnen, Drehbuchautorinnen oder anderen Filmschaffenden zu verfolgen. In dieser Folge, die in Zusammenarbeit mit der BUNTE über die Bühne ging, ist Iris Berben zu Gast und damit eine der grössten Schauspielikonen der deutschen Filmgeschichte. Iris Berben machte ihr Debüt im Jahre 1968, w...

«Leading FeMales in Film» stellt am ZFF inspirierende Frauen in den Mittelpunkt, welche über ihren Werdegang berichten und die unterschiedlichen Herausforderungen in der Filmbranche aufzeigen. 2024 widmete sich das Panel der Rolle von Regisseurinnen. Mit BARBIE von Greta Gerwig kam im Jahr 2023 einer der erfolgreichste Film von einer Frau. Doch dieser Spitzenplatz täuscht. Nur 14 Prozent der 100 e...

Im Rahmen der ZFF Masters findet sich unser Publikum in einem Kinosaal ein, um Talks mit Schauspielern, Regisseurinnen, Drehbuchautorinnen oder anderen Filmschaffenden zu verfolgen. In dieser Folge ist Sebastian Stan zu Gast. Internationale Bekanntheit erlangte er durch seine Rollen in der Serie GOSSIP GIRL (2007-2010) und im Film BLACK SWAN (2010). Der grosse Durchbruch gelang ihm jedoch im Jahr...