Competition In the competition, only first, second and third directorial works are presented in three categories (10-14 films each): • Focus Competition (Switzerland, Germany, Austria) • Feature Film Competition • Documentary Competition
Film selections out of competition Gala Premieres In the "Gala Premieres" section, film premieres by established filmmakers are celebrated every evening, mostly in the presence of the director and cast, with both feature film and larger documentary productions being shown. The films are presented as world, European, German-language, or Swiss premieres.
Special Screenings In the "Special Screenings" series, the Zurich Film Festival shows a selection of festival hits and brand-new films from the fields of fiction and documentary.
Hashtag The "Hashtag" section is dedicated to films that focus on current topics and themes that dominate conversations around the world. Various feature and documentary Films that shine a light on the issue from different angles are presented. So far, the focus has been on the following topics: #SaveDemocracy (2025) | #BigCityLife (2024) | •
Masculinity (2023) | #MyReligion (2022) | #letSEXplore (2021) | #GetUpStandUp (2020) | #SpeakingTheTruth (2019) | #BigData (2018)
New World View The "New World View" programme puts a spotlight on a new generation of filmmakers from a selected production country that has provided some of the most innovative new filmmaking in recent years. The section has been dedicated to the following countries:
Korea (2023) |
Spain (2022) |
Tunisia (2021) |
France (2020) |
Colombia (2019) |
Italy (2018) |
Hungary (2017) |
Mexico (2016) |
Iran (2015) |
India (2014) |
Brazil (2013) |
Sweden (2012) |
Turkey (2011) |
Australia (2010) |
Argentina (2009) |
Israel (2008) |
Russia (2007)
Border Lines The "Border Lines" section presents films dealing with border situations occurring in present-day world conditions, and humanitarian projects, territorial and social conflicts, and conflicts between individuals and the state. It is organized in collaboration with
Amnesty International, Human Rights Partner of ZFF.
Window The "Window" section comprises windows through which one can take a look at various cinematographic traditions. The "Hong Kong Window" presents a selection of unique and daring new films from Hong Kong ans is presented in collaboration with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin. The "San Sebastián Window" presents a selection of four films from Spain and Latin America that were screened as part of the
San Sebastián Film Festival.
Sounds The "Sounds" section celebrates the relationship between film and music in all its diverse aspects. With an exquisite selection of feature and documentary films, for once the soundtrack takes center stage - whether the film shines its light on musicians, captivates with exceptional film music, or deals with the topic of sound in a very fundamental way. The program is complemented by two special screenings: One accompanied by live music and one with a live commentary by the film composer.
ZFF for Kids At the 9th Zurich Film Festival, the children's programme was expanded with a separate audience award. The aim of the film series is to introduce children and young people to sophisticated film culture beyond the mainstream and to strengthen their media competence in a world dominated by images. Since 2020, there has been a year-round ZFF for Kids programme consisting of workshops and cinema screenings.
ZFF Series At the
10th Zurich Film Festival in 2014, a section was introduced in which TV series are shown. Until the 13th edition, this was called "ZFF TVision" and was renamed "ZFF Series" in 2018. With the renaming, a separate small competition was started, which was held until 2020. Since 2022 series are no longer shown in a separate section. == Guest of honour and Lifetime Achievement Awards ==