ZHdK is prominently represented at the 22nd Zurich Film Festival
From September 24 to October 4, 2026, the Zurich Film Festival will once again bring filmmakers from around the world to Zurich. ZHdK will also be prominently represented this year: Sabine Boss, Head of the Film programme, has joined the ZFF Board of Directors. At the same time, several films by ZHdK alumni will be screened at the festival.
Sabine Boss joins the Board of Directors of the ZFF
Film director Sabine Boss has joined the Board of Directors of the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF). Together with the new Chairman of the Board, Martin Moszkowicz, and media manager Claudia Lässer, she has strengthened the board since July 1, 2026. Boss has directed feature films including «Der Goalie bin ig» and «Die Nachbarn von oben», as well as episodes of the series Neumatt. She has received the Swiss Film Award several times and heads the Film programme at Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). More information about the ZFF Board of Directors is available here.
With her appointment, the ZFF also aims to further strengthen its commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers.
ZFF #ai: AI Presentation at the ZFF
The Zurich Film Festival is making artificial intelligence (AI) tangible through this event. The focus is on the question of how technological developments and the growing presence of AI in public spaces can be harnessed to make knowledge accessible with the help of AI.
ZHdK lecturer and director Manuel Flurin Hendry will present cineMINDS, an international online platform developed by ZHdK. The platform is dedicated to documenting, researching and sharing practical knowledge and expertise in filmmaking.
- Friday, September 25, 2026, 3:30 p.m., NZZ Festival Lounge, ground floor, left
NextGen: Women Shaping Film
In collaboration with ZHdK, the festival is hosting the event NextGen: Women Shaping Film. How can you get started in the film industry – and what steps can lead to a successful career? At this practical event, experienced film industry professionals will share insights into their work. During a panel discussion, experts will talk about different career paths, opportunities and challenges in the film industry. An interactive Q&A session will then give participants the opportunity to ask the experts questions directly. During the following apéro, mentoring tables will provide opportunities for personal exchange, networking and connecting with industry professionals and fellow participants.
- Friday, October 2, 2026, 12:30–2:00 p.m., ZFF Festival Centre, Lake Lounge (ground floor, right), Sechseläutenplatz
ZHdK alumni on the big screen
Numerous ZHdK alumni are also involved in this year’s ZFF film programme.
In the Gala Premieres section, «A Happy Family» by ZHdK Bachelor Film alumnus Jan-Eric Mack will be screened. The feature film tells the story of Niki, whose life is thrown into turmoil after a fire, resulting in her children being placed in foster care. The film’s music was composed by Thomas Kuratli, also a ZHdK alumnus.
Also featured in the Gala Premieres section is «111 – Echoes from Halifax». The drama by Mauro Mueller explores the aftermath of the crash of Swissair Flight 111 in 1998. ZHdK Master Editing alumna Rebecca Trösch was responsible for the editing, while ZHdK Sound Design alumna Mirjam Skal composed the music.
The Special Screenings section features the series «Blind», an adaptation of Christine Brand’s bestselling thriller series. The series was directed by Barbara Kulcsar, a ZHdK alumna of the Film Directing – Fiction programme, and Christian Johannes Koch.
Finally, «Enjoy Your Stay» is another feature film by a ZHdK alumnus in the programme. Dominik Locher, a graduate of the ZHdK Master’s degree programme in Film, tells the story of a Filipina domestic worker without a residence permit who works at a luxury ski resort in Verbier and increasingly finds herself caught in a moral conflict. The film is part of the new Now/Future section. Editing was handled by Master Editing alumna Carmen Walker together with Diego Marx Dobles, while the music was once again composed by Mirjam Skal.
«ZFF Daily» once again in the hands of Cast / Audiovisual Media
Bachelor’s students from the Design major Cast / Audiovisual Media are once again responsible for producing the official video content for the ZFF in 2026. Throughout the festival, «ZFF Daily» features exclusive interviews, insights and behind-the-scenes content. This gives students in their third and fifth semesters the opportunity to apply their expertise in animation, editing, camera work and social media in a professional festival environment.
«ZFF Daily» content will be available on the ZFF’s Instagram, YouTube and TikTok channels from the start of the festival – #ZFFDaily.
