Zurich Film Festival unveils a star-studded lineup
The Zurich Film Festival has announced a second wave of Gala titles, featuring films with renowned actors such as Tilda Swinton, Sebastian Stan, Nicole Kidman, Pierce Brosnan, and Samuel L. Jackson. This exciting selection includes four world premieres, two international premieres, and one European premiere, promising a diverse and captivating cinematic experience.
A closer look at the featured films
The apprentice
Drama
Canada, Denmark, Ireland, 2024
Director: Ali Abbasi
Cast: Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong, Maria Bakalova, Martin Donovan, Catherine McNally
Set in 1970s New York, The Apprentice follows the early career of Donald J. Trump as he navigates the cutthroat world of Manhattan real estate. Under the mentorship of political fixer Roy Cohn, Trump learns to wield power through deception and media manipulation. This film offers a gripping portrayal of ambition and the dark arts of influence. Watch the trailer.
The room next door
Melodrama
Spain, U.S., 2024
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Cast: Tilda Swinton, Julianne Moore, John Turturro, Alessandro Nivola
In The Room Next Door, two estranged friends, Ingrid and Martha, reunite under extraordinary circumstances. Once colleagues at a magazine, their lives took different paths—Ingrid became a novelist, while Martha pursued a career as a war reporter. This film explores themes of friendship, memory, and the passage of time. Watch the trailer.
Babygirl
Thriller
U.S., 2024
Director: Halina Reijn
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, Sophie Wilde, Esther McGregor
Babygirl tells the story of a high-powered CEO who risks everything for a passionate affair with her young intern. This thriller delves into the complexities of power dynamics and the consequences of forbidden love. Watch the trailer.
Bonjour tristesse
European Premiere
Drama, Novel adaptation
Canada, Germany, 2024
Director: Durga Chew-Bose
Cast: Lily McInerny, Chloë Sevigny, Claes Bang, Naïlia Harzoune, Aliocha Schneider
Adapted from Françoise Sagan’s novel, Bonjour Tristesse captures the tumultuous summer of 18-year-old Cécile, who is vacationing with her father and his lover. The arrival of her late mother’s friend Anne disrupts their idyllic life, leading to a series of tragic events. This film beautifully portrays the complexities of relationships and the impact of emotional manipulation. Watch the trailer.
Bergers
International Premiere
Drama
France, Canada, 2024
Director: Sophie Deraspe
Cast: Félix-Antoine Duval, Solène Rigot, Guilaine Londez, Michel Benizri, David Ayala
Bergers follows Mathyas, an aspiring writer who leaves his life in Montreal to become a shepherd in the South of France. Joined by Elise, a former civil servant, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. This film highlights the challenges and rewards of pursuing a simpler, more meaningful life. Watch the trailer.
Sicilian letters
International Premiere
Mafia, Drama
Italy, France, 2024
Director: Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza
Cast: Toni Servillo, Elio Germano, Daniela Marra, Barbora Bobulova, Giuseppe Tantillo
Sicilian Letters centers on Catello, a former politician who collaborates with the Italian secret service to capture a notorious Mafia boss. This film delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between truth and deception. Watch the trailer.
The unholy trinity
World Premiere
Western
U.S., 2024
Director: Richard Gray
Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Samuel L. Jackson, Brandon Lessard, Veronica Ferres
Set in 1873 Montana, The Unholy Trinity follows Henry Broadway as he seeks revenge for his father’s wrongful execution. His quest leads him to a town filled with secrets and a struggle for survival. This Western promises intense action and a deep exploration of familial bonds and moral dilemmas. Watch the trailer.
Hagen
World Premiere
Fantasy, History
Germany, 2024
Director: Cyrill Boss & Philipp Stennert
Cast: Gijs Naber, Jannis Niewöhner, Dominic Marcus Singer, Lilja van der Zwaag
Hagen tells the story of Hagen von Tronje, a weapon master in a crisis-ridden kingdom. Torn between his duty and his secret love for the King’s daughter, Hagen faces challenges from the arrival of the dragonslayer Siegfried. This epic adventure explores themes of loyalty, love, and the struggle for power. Watch the trailer.
Frieda’s case
World Premiere
Social Drama
Switzerland, 2024
Director: Maria Brendle
Cast: Julia Buchmann, Stefan Merki, Rachel Braunschweig, Max Simonischek
Set in 1904, Frieda’s Case follows two lawyers fighting for justice in a moving trial that challenges societal norms and the legal system. This film highlights the struggles for ethics and emancipation during a time of social upheaval. Watch the trailer.
Aiming high – A race against the limits
World Premiere
Documentary
Switzerland, 2024
Director: Flavio Gerber & Alun Meyerhans
Cast: Marco Odermatt, Lara Gut-Behrami, Aleksander Kilde
This documentary chronicles the ambitious plan to hold the world’s first transnational and highest ski race at the Matterhorn. It explores the emotional highs and lows of preparation and the impact of climate change on the future of ski racing. Watch the trailer.
Final thoughts
The Zurich Film Festival’s latest lineup promises a rich tapestry of stories, from historical dramas to thrilling adventures. Each film offers a unique perspective, inviting audiences to explore diverse narratives and complex characters. Whether you’re a fan of intense thrillers, heartfelt dramas, or epic fantasies, there’s something for everyone in this year’s selection.