Zurich Film Festival Switzerland 2025

Background & History

Founded in 2005, the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) has become a leading cultural event in the German-speaking world, showcasing approximately 100 films annually. Held in Zurich, Switzerland, the festival promotes emerging filmmakers while attracting international stars for gala premieres and exclusive events. The 21st edition, from September 25 to October 5, 2025, continues its mission to inspire audiences with world-class cinema, including world and European premieres, many of which are Oscar contenders. Over 100,000 visitors, including film enthusiasts and industry professionals, attend each year, making ZFF a vital platform for cinematic discovery and networking.

Cultural Significance

The ZFF transforms Zurich into a cinematic hub, blending Hollywood glamour with arthouse innovation. Its commitment to young talent through competitions like the Golden Eye and programs like ZFF for Kids fosters the next generation of filmmakers. The festival’s international scope, featuring films from diverse regions, promotes cultural exchange and dialogue. By hosting talks, masterclasses, and award ceremonies with figures like Colin Farrell (2025 Golden Icon Award recipient), it bridges emerging and established artists, enriching Zurich’s cultural landscape and positioning it as a key player in global cinema.

Event Highlights

• Over 100 curated films, including Feature Film and Documentary Competitions.
• Gala Premieres with titles like The Smashing Machine, Hedda, and A Private Life.
• “Signatures” section showcases auteur films with distinctive artistic voices.
• ZFF for Kids, offering family-friendly screenings and workshops for ages 4-14.
• ZFF Masters and Talks with renowned guests like past attendees Kate Winslet and Johnny Depp.
• Award ceremonies, including the Golden Eye and Golden Icon Award.
• Opening and Award Nights with red-carpet glamour at Sechseläutenplatz.

Date

• Date: September 25 to October 5, 2025
• Time: Screenings typically from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM; events vary

Duration

• Duration: 11 days

Venue

• City: Zurich, Switzerland
• Main Venues and Addresses:
  • Festival Center: Sechseläutenplatz, 8001 Zurich
  • Cinema Corso: Theaterstrasse 10, 8001 Zurich
  • Cinema Le Paris: Theaterstrasse 8, 8001 Zurich
  • Cinema Piccadilly: Mühlebachstrasse 2, 8008 Zurich
  • Frauenbadi: Stadthausquai 13, 8001 Zurich
  • Kongresshaus Zurich: Gotthardstrasse 5, 8002 Zurich
  • Festival Ship (MS Wädenswil): Docks at Bürkliplatz, 8001 Zurich
  • Kino Frame: Europaallee 12, 8004 Zurich
  • Arena Cinemas: Kalanderplatz 8, 8045 Zurich (Sihlcity shopping center)
• Note: All venues are accessible on foot or by public transport from Sechseläutenplatz; check zff.com for maps.

Contact Information

• Official Website: zff.com
• Email: info@zff.com; tickets@zff.com (ticketing)
• Phone: +41 44 286 60 00 (9:00 AM-12:00 PM, 2:00 PM-5:00 PM)
• Social Media:
  • Facebook: zurichfilmfestival
  • Instagram: zurichfilmfest
• Note: Contact for inquiries, bookings, or accessibility support.

Ticket Information

• General Admission: Individual tickets range from $22.20-$33.30; ZFF for Kids tickets at $13.55.
• Festival Passes:
  • Pre-Access Pass: $38.85 (early ticket access, up to 10 tickets)
  • Day Card: $66.60 (up to 4 films/day)
  • Half-Fare Pass: $79.92 (50% off up to 4 films/day)
  • Full Festival Pass: $421.80 (unlimited access, max 4 films/day)
  • Vouchers: $37.52, $55.50, $111.00, $222.00 (redeemable for tickets, excluding premium screenings)
• Booking Fees: Included in pass prices; non-subscription tickets add $1.11 per ticket (except youth category).
• Purchase: Online at zff.com (from September 15, 2025, 10:00 AM), Cinema Corso (September 15-24, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM), or Festival Center (September 25-October 5, 11:00 AM-9:30 PM). Credit cards and cash accepted.
• Note: Wheelchair spaces bookable via tickets@zff.com; create alerts for sold-out shows.

2025 Theme

The 2025 festival emphasizes emerging talent and auteur cinema through sections like Feature Film Competition, Documentary Competition, and Signatures. It also highlights contemporary issues with series like Hashtag and Border Lines, alongside environmental and social themes in Sounds. The focus on young filmmakers and global storytelling underscores ZFF’s role as a “home of talent.”

Organizing Committee

Led by artistic director Christian Jungen and festival director Nadja Schildknecht, the ZFF is managed by Zurich Film Festival AG. Key selection committee members include Iria Suppiger and Georg Bütler. The festival collaborates with partners like Mercedes-Benz and Switzerland Tourism. Contact +41 44 286 60 00 for inquiries.

Film Competitions

• Feature Film Competition: Showcasing debut or second films by emerging directors, competing for the Golden Eye award.
• Documentary Competition: Highlighting innovative non-fiction storytelling with a focus on global issues.
• Focus Switzerland/Germany/Austria: Celebrating regional talent with competitive screenings.
• Awards: Golden Eye (main prize), Golden Icon Award (e.g., Colin Farrell in 2025), and audience awards.

Side Events

• ZFF Masters and Talks: Discussions with industry leaders, offering insights into filmmaking.
• Workshops: Year-round educational programs, including ZFF for Kids workshops to inspire young audiences.
• Mercedes-Benz Star Vibes: Live music and DJs at the Festival Center on weekends.
• Networking Events: Industry sessions for filmmakers, producers, and professionals at Kongresshaus Zurich.

Food & Drinks

• On-site: Food trucks at Sechseläutenplatz offer ciabatta sandwiches (Ojo de Agua), Neapolitan pizza (Napulé), and Tibetan momos (TENZ) ($5-$15). ZFF Bar serves aperitifs and drinks ($3-$10).
• Nearby: Restaurants in Zurich’s city center offer Swiss dishes like fondue or Zürcher Geschnetzeltes ($15-$30).
• Cashless payments preferred; cards accepted at most vendors.
• Tip: Visit partner restaurants listed on zff.com for festival discounts.

Family & Accessibility

ZFF for Kids offers screenings for ages 4-14 (tickets $13.55), with live German translations for foreign films. Accessibility includes wheelchair spaces at all venues, platform lifts at Frauenbadi and Folium, and barrier-free toilets at the Festival Center, Kongresshaus, and Festival Ship. Contact tickets@zff.com for bookings. Well-behaved dogs allowed at outdoor events; guide dogs permitted throughout.

Getting There

• By Air: Zurich Airport (ZRH, 7 miles, 20-minute train to Zurich HB).
• By Train: Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB); 5-10 minute tram to Sechseläutenplatz (Trams 2, 4, 15).
• Public Transport: Trams and buses via ZVV network; a day pass $10-$15. Check zvv.ch.
• By Foot: Central venues (Corso, Le Paris, Piccadilly) within 5-10 minutes of Sechseläutenplatz.
• By Car: Limited parking near Sechseläutenplatz; use Parkhaus Opéra (Schillerstrasse 5, 8001 Zurich).

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers assist with ticketing, guest services, and event operations. Benefits include free screenings and merchandise. Apply via info@zff.com or zff.com.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsors like Mercedes-Benz gain visibility through branding and VIP events. Contact +41 44 286 60 00 or info@zff.com for details.

Local Attractions

• Lake Zurich: Sechseläutenplatz, 8001 Zurich (lakeside walks).
• Grossmünster: Zwinglipl. 7, 8001 Zurich (historic church).
• Bahnhofstrasse: 8001 Zurich (luxury shopping).
• Kunsthaus Zurich: Heimpl. 1, 8001 Zurich (art museum).
• Uetliberg: 8143 Zurich (hiking, 20-minute train from HB).

Accommodation Tips

Book early at hotels like Hotel Schweizerhof (Bahnhofpl. 7, 8001) or budget options in Niederdorf. Airbnb near Sechseläutenplatz is convenient. Expect higher rates during the festival; check zuerich.com for deals.

Safety and Etiquette

• Arrive 15 minutes early; screenings start promptly without breaks.
• Photography is restricted in theaters; check zff.com for media policies.
• Cashless payments preferred; ATMs available near Sechseläutenplatz.
• Respect venue rules; bags may be checked.

Community and Economic Impact

The ZFF attracts over 100,000 visitors, boosting Zurich’s economy through tourism, supporting local restaurants, hotels, and retailers. Its educational programs engage youth, while industry events foster global film collaborations, enhancing Zurich’s reputation as a cultural and cinematic hub.