Screen: Switzerland

The Swiss film industry has produced some impressive films in recent years, which have been recognized at international festivals and cover a wide range of topics and styles. Here are some outstanding examples: AFRICAN MIRROR (2019) by Mischa Hedinger sheds light on the life and work of Swiss filmmaker René Gardi and his colonial view of Africa. The film uses archive material and has been praised for its critical reflection on Eurocentrism and colonialism. It was screened at several festivals and received positive reviews for its in-depth analysis and historical relevance. LOOKING FOR SUNSHINE (2018) is a documentary by Niccolò Castelli that follows the life of Swiss ski racer Lara Gut. The film shows her journey from her victory in the 2016 Ski World Cup to her comeback after an injury. The intimate portrayal and insights into the life of a top athlete were appreciated by both audiences and critics. WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME (2019) by Rolando Colla is a captivating drama about the relationship between Patricia and Ikendu, which is put to the test when Ikendu is unexpectedly arrested. The film impresses with its strong character development and intense narrative style, which delves deep into the themes of trust and identity.
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  • Beyond the Horizon

    Beyond the Horizon

    Drama

    2020

    1h.33min

    12

    The Sutter family can no longer earn a living from their Swiss mountain farm in the 1970s. A family catastrophe is brewing.


  • Just Kids

    Just Kids

    Drama

    2020

    1h.43min

    12

    Jack, Lisa and Mathis are suddenedly orphaned. All three react to the catastrophe in their own way. Jack, who has just come of age, gets custody.


  • Into Dad's Woods

    Into Dad's Woods

    Drama

    2020

    1h.31min

    12

    Fifteen-year-old Gina grew up in a loving family on the edge of a forest. She admires and loves her father Jimmy, an unpredictable and whimsical man.


  • With the Wind

    With the Wind

    Drama

    2018

    1h.23min

    16

    For a couple living self-sufficiently, installing a wind turbine becomes a test of their relationship.


  • Looking For Sunshine

    Looking For Sunshine

    Biography, Documentary

    2018

    1h.35min

    16+

    A year in Lara Gut’s universe, from the victory of the Alpine Ski World Cup title in 2016 to the comeback after an injury at the peak of her career.


  • African Mirror

    African Mirror

    Documentary

    2019

    1h.26min

    12

    The European self-image, the colonial gaze and the concept of 'noble savages': for decades, René Gardi (1909-2000) shaped our colonial image of Africa


  • Fall Pinguin

    Fall Pinguin

    Independent

    2021

    59min

    16+

    The penguins encounter Swiss alpine cows, swim in the river, walk leisurely through the city center... they are everywhere. An adventure begins.


  • Happiness Is a Warm Gun

    Happiness Is a Warm Gun

    Classics

    2001

    1h.30min

    12

    Green Party icon Petra Kelly is shot in her sleep by her partner Gert Bastian, an ex-Federal Armed Forces general, before he kills himself.


  • What You Don't Know About Me

    What You Don't Know About Me

    Drama

    2019

    1h.56min

    16+

    How well can you know your partner? Patricia and Ikendu have a happy relationship until Ikendu's surprise arrest shatters it.


  • Our Lucky Hours

    Our Lucky Hours

    Documentary, Independent

    2019

    1h.17min

    16+

    During World War 2, 45,000 psychiatric patients died in French hospitals. Only one facility opposed the carnage: the asylum in Saint-Alban.


  • Lenz

    Lenz

    Drama, Independent

    2006

    1h.36min

    6

    An unconventional portrait of a man whose life motto reminds us of the poets of romanticism: The genius writes its own rules.


  • My Brother, My Love

    My Brother, My Love

    Drama, Love & Sex

    2018

    1h.54min

    16+

    Lena (16) is in love with her brother and would rather indulge in this fantasy than face reality.


  • Winter Nomads

    Winter Nomads

    Documentary

    2012

    1h.26min

    0 FSK

    Two shepherds and 800 sheep take on an extraordinary adventure full of challenges, in intimate contact with nature and the elements.


  • Hotel Yugoslavia

    Hotel Yugoslavia

    Documentary, Independent

    2017

    1h.18min

    16+

    A journey through the times and spaces of the Hotel Jugoslavija. Belgrade's cityscape is still haunted by the Hotel like a mirror held up to a Serbia ...


  • Those Who Are Fine

    Those Who Are Fine

    Drama

    2017

    1h.11min

    16+

    Alice works in a call center on the outskirts of Zurich. Inspired by her job, she calls lonely grandmothers and pretends to be a granddaughter in need ...


  • Of the Voice

    Of the Voice

    Documentary, Independent

    2018

    1h.22min

    0 FSK

    The Sound of the Voice tells the story of four people who are passionate about exploring the limits of the human voice in new ways.


  • Offshore - Elmer and the Swiss Bank Secrecy

    Offshore - Elmer and the Swiss Bank Secrecy

    Documentary, Independent

    2016

    1h.42min

    16+

    Rudolf Elmer has had a remarkable career at a Swiss private bank until he became a whistleblower of the offshore banking business.


  • Calabria

    Calabria

    Documentary

    2016

    1h.57min

    16+

    A road movie in a hearse. After the death of an Italian man, two undertakers, Jovan and José - themselves emigrants - drive the body to Italy.


  • Vitus

    Vitus

    Drama, Music, Dance, Theater

    2006

    2h.0min

    0 FSK

    Vitus is a highly-gifted boy who almost seems to be from another planet. His parents begin to anticipate a brilliant future for him. But Vitus has other ...


  • Black Panther – The Story of Emilie and Jacob

    Black Panther – The Story of Emilie and Jacob

    Independent, Love & Sex

    2013

    1h.19min

    12 FSK

    Siblings Emilie and Jacob cannot help feeling a deep love for each other. After being apart for many years, they meet in the mountains.


  • We Came To Help

    We Came To Help

    Documentary, Independent

    2013

    1h.27min

    16+

    Can good cause evil? This documentary investigates the effect of Swiss development assistance in Rwanda before the genocide against the Tutsi.


  • Hugo Koblet - The Charming Cyclist

    Hugo Koblet - The Charming Cyclist

    Documentary, Independent

    2014

    1h.37min

    16+

    The rise and fall of Swiss cycling legend Hugo Koblet still fascinates today - with a comb tucked in his jersey, groupies, vanilla ice cream.


  • Democracy Is On!

    Democracy Is On!

    Documentary, Independent

    2015

    1h.22min

    6

    On the right-wing fringes of the political landscape, ever-louder anti-European, anti-Islamic and nationalist voices can be heard.


  • Opération Libertad

    Opération Libertad

    Drama, Thriller

    2012

    1h.30min

    16+

    To atone for the injustice of colonialism, a revolutionary group attacks a Swiss bank.