Zurich Film Festival launches with ‘Dream big’ theme

The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) has launched its latest edition under the theme ‘Dream big,’ aiming to provide a positive counterpoint to current economic and social trends. The festival features a diverse lineup, including the opening film ‘Tenzing,’ which follows the first ascent of Mount Everest and will be presented by actors Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe.

Financially, the festival has secured Sunrise as its fourth main partner, joining UBS, Mercedes-Benz, and NZZ, marking the first time in five years that the sponsor tableau has been full. Despite this, organizers have expressed a desire for increased public support from the City of Zurich, noting that the festival is 90 percent privately funded and generates approximately 50 million Swiss francs in value for local businesses, including hotels and restaurants.

In addition to festival news, director Fabian Stumm is set to hold the world premiere of his third feature film, ‘Die Ideen,’ at the ZFF. The episodic dramedy features Stumm in a role and stars Angela Winkler and Jonas Dassler.