NZZ has sold the Zurich Film Festival and Frame Cinema to a management group, enabling the festival to leverage local expertise for future growth and positioning it as a leading European film event.

Target Information

The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF), established in 2005, is a significant cultural event in Switzerland, showcasing a diverse array of films and attracting approximately 140,000 visitors each year. The festival has gained international recognition for its premier events, including the award of the Golden Eye in various categories, as well as high-profile premieres featuring numerous stars and filmmakers.

In July 2025, the Swiss newspaper company NZZ (Neue Zürcher Zeitung) divested the ZFF, along with its associated Frame Cinema, through a management buyout led by a consortium of experienced stakeholders, including Festival Director Dr. Christian Jungen, Deputy Director Reta Guetg, entrepreneur Max Loong, former ZFF president Felix E. Müller, and financial expert Marek Skreta. The new ownership group brings substantial expertise in festival operations, media, events, and finance, positioning the ZFF for future growth and consolidation as a leading European film festival.

Industry Overview in Switzerland

The film industry in Switzerland has witnessed considerable growth over the past decade, with an increasing number of local and international festivals contributing to the cultural landscape. The Zurich Film Festival has played a pivo