Zurich Film Festival

Zurich Film Festival
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The Zurich Film Festival brings you an exclusive selection of recorded interviews, talks and Q&A's that offer fascinating insights into the creative process of directors, screenwriters, producers and actors, with renowned personalities such as Kate Winslet, Sebastian Stan, Johnny Depp and many more.

  1. JAN 29

    Claire Foy | ZFF Masters 2025

    British actress Claire Foy is one of Europe's most versatile character actresses. Known for her portrayal of young Queen Elizabeth II in the award-winning Netflix production THE CROWN (2016–2023) and works in films like THE SEASON OF THE WITCH (2011), WOMEN TALKING (2022) and ALL OF US STRANGERS (2023), she earned praise by critics world wide. In this ZFF Masters episode, she shares personal stories from her career in the film business and how she became the actress she is today. She also talks about her latest drama, H IS FOR HAWK, which celebrated its international premiere at Zurich Film Festival. The film released in the UK and US on 23 January 2026. ZFF Masters are in-depth conversations with renowned voices from world cinema, which are open to the public and take place during the Zurich Film Festival. They offer audiences insight into the creative process and artistic vision of personalities in film around the world. The full talks are available on YouTube and as podcast. Cover Photo: Sandro Bäbler #ZFF2025 #zurichfilmfestival

    58 min

  2. JAN 21

    James McAvoy | ZFF Masters 2025

    In this ZFF Masters session, Scottish actor James McAvoy reflects on his journey as an actor, his Scottish roots, and what art means to him. He discusses how defining roles in films such as THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, X-MEN, and ATONEMENT shaped his career and artistic identity, and shares insights into his directorial debut CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN'. Renowned for his remarkable range, James McAvoy is one of the most distinctive performers of his generation. The Scottish-born actor appeared early on in television and film projects including THE NEAR ROOM, REGENERATION, and BAND OF BROTHERS. He achieved international recognition with SHAMELESS (2004–2005), followed by global success as Mr. Tumnus in THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. His performance in THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND earned him a BAFTA Scotland Award, while ATONEMENT brought BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations. From the psychological intensity of SPLIT to blockbuster roles in the X-MEN franchise, McAvoy continues to demonstrate extraordinary versatility. With CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN', he now steps behind the camera for his directorial debut.

    1h 5m

  3. JAN 7

    Benedict Cumberbatch | ZFF Masters 2025

    In this ZFF Masters episode, Benedict Cumberbatch reflects on the experiences and creative decisions that shaped his career. He speaks about the lasting impact of iconic roles such as Sherlock and Doctor Strange, and shares insights into his work as a producer and what storytelling beyond acting means to him. Charisma, intelligence, and an unmistakable voice define Benedict Cumberbatch, CBE, as one of the most influential actors of his generation. Rising to international fame with SHERLOCK (2010–2017), he went on to deliver acclaimed performances in films such as ATONEMENT (2007), 12 YEARS A SLAVE (2013), THE IMITATION GAME (2014), and THE POWER OF THE DOG (2021), earning two Academy Award nominations. Alongside his work in auteur cinema, he became a global figure as Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and lent his voice to Smaug in THE HOBBIT trilogy. At the 21st Zurich Film Festival, Cumberbatch received the Golden Eye Award for his versatile career, followed by a screening of his new film THE THING WITH FEATHERS. ZFF Masters are in-depth conversations with renowned voices from world cinema, open to the public and held during the Zurich Film Festival. They offer audiences a rare opportunity to gain insight into the creative process and artistic vision of leading figures in film. Cover photo: Anne Morgenstern #ZFF2025 #zurichfilmfestival

    46 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    Amanda Seyfried | ZFF Masters 2025

    In this ZFF Masters episode, Amanda Seyfried reflects on the roles and experiences that have shaped her into one of the most beloved and versatile performers of our time. She discusses the impact of iconic films like MAMMA MIA! and MEAN GIRLS and shares behind-the-scenes stories from fan-favourite projects. She also offers insights into her latest film, THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE which she presented at the 21st Zurich Film Festival, already marking her as a major contender this awards season. Amanda Seyfried has long been one of the defining faces of contemporary American cinema. After gaining early attention in the TV series AS THE WORLD TURNS and ALL MY CHILDREN, she broke through with the hit comedy MEAN GIRLS (2004), paving the way for major film roles. She went on to star in HBO's BIG LOVE and lead the global phenomenon MAMMA MIA! (2008) and its sequel, showcasing her vocal talent. Her range expanded further through acclaimed performances in JENNIFER'S BODY, CHLOE and LES MISÉRABLES. Seyfried earned her first Academy Award nomination for portraying Marion Davies in David Fincher's MANK (2020). She achieved her biggest television success with her Emmy and Golden Globe winning performance as Elizabeth Holmes in THE DROPOUT (2022). ZFF Masters are in-depth conversations with renowned voices from world cinema, open to the public and held during the Zurich Film Festival. They offer audiences a rare opportunity to gain insight into the creative process and artistic vision of leading figures in film. This episode is presented by Deadline. Cover photo: Anne Morgenstern #ZFF2025 #zurichfilmfestival

    58 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    Dakota Johnson | ZFF Masters 2025

    In this ZFF Masters episode, actor and producer Dakota Johnson talks to ZFF Co-Owner Max Loong, reflecting on how growing up in a film family shaped her artistic instincts and professional path. She discusses the founding of her production company TeaTime Pictures – a company powered primarily by women – and offers behind-the-scenes insight into the eclectic range of projects she has taken on throughout her career. Dakota Johnson has become one of Hollywood's most compelling talents, known for her distinctive screen presence and increasingly impactful work as a producer. After early roles in films such as THE SOCIAL NETWORK and 21 JUMP STREET, she achieved worldwide recognition with the FIFTY SHADES trilogy, earning a 2016 BAFTA Rising Star nomination. Since then, she has balanced acclaimed indie projects like A BIGGER SPLASH, SUSPIRIA, and THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON with major studio films including BLACK MASS and THE LOST DAUGHTER. In 2019, she co-founded TeaTime Pictures with Ro Donnelly, a company driven largely by women. At the 21st Zurich Film Festival, Johnson opened the festival with her new production, SPLITSVILLE and received the Golden Eye Award. ZFF Masters are in-depth conversations with renowned voices from world cinema, open to the public and held during the Zurich Film Festival. They offer audiences a rare opportunity to gain insight into the creative process and artistic vision of leading figures in film. Cover photo: Maurice Haas #ZFF2025 #zurichfilmfestival

    50 min

  6. 11/20/2025

    Noah Baumbach | ZFF Masters 2025

    In this ZFF Masters session, four-time Oscar-nominated writer and director Noah Baumbach reflects on how real life and personal relationships shape his filmmaking. He discusses his latest comedy JAY KELLY revisits films such as FRANCES HA and THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, and speaks about what collaborating with longtime creative partners like Wes Anderson and Greta Gerwig means to him. Noah Baumbach is one of the most influential voices in contemporary cinema. After his debut KICKING AND SCREAMING, he gained international recognition co-writing THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU and directing the acclaimed THE SQUID AND THE WHALE. His career spans standout films including FRANCES HA, WHILE WE'RE YOUNG, THE MEYROWITZ STORIES, and MARRIAGE STORY, which earned him multiple Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nominations. He also co-wrote the global hit BARBIE with Greta Gerwig. At the 21st Zurich Film Festival, Baumbach presented JAY KELLY and received the "A Tribute to …" Award honoring his remarkable career. ZFF Masters are in-depth conversations with renowned voices from world cinema, which are open to the public and take place during the Zurich Film Festival. They offer audiences insight into the creative process and artistic vision of personalities in film around the world. Cover photo: Sandro Baebler #ZFF2025 #zurichfilmfestival

    52 min

  7. 11/13/2025

    Wagner Moura | ZFF Masters 2025

    In this ZFF Masters session, Brazilian actor and director Wagner Moura discusses his latest film THE SECRET AGENT and his collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho. Moura reflects on his most iconic roles, including Pablo Escobar in NARCOS, and shares how he brings a piece of Brazil to every job he takes, even in international films. He also offers candid insights into his approach to acting and storytelling across both Brazilian and American cinema.   Wagner Moura is one of South America's most celebrated actors, known for his performances in NARCOS, TROPA DE ELITE, ELYSIUM, PRAIA DO FUTURO, and VIPs. He made his directorial debut with MARIGHELLA (2019) and continues to impress audiences worldwide with roles in THE GRAY MAN, SERGIO, and PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH. At the 21st Zurich Film Festival, Moura presented THE SECRET AGENT and received the Golden Eye Award for his performance.   ZFF Masters are in-depth conversations with renowned voices from world cinema, which are open to the public and take place during the Zurich Film Festival. They offer audiences insight into the creative process and artistic vision of personalities in film around the world.   Cover photo: Sabine Liewald

    55 min

  8. 11/07/2025

    Russell Crowe | ZFF Masters 2025

    In this ZFF Masters session, Academy Award–winning actor and filmmaker Russell Crowe discusses his latest film NUREMBERG, which opens in US cinemas on November 7. He also reflects on what he loves most about his craft and shares memories from the making of classics such as GLADIATOR and ROBIN HOOD. Crowe offers candid insights into his decades-long career and what continues to inspire him as a storyteller. Russell Crowe has captivated audiences worldwide for over three decades. The New Zealand–born actor rose to fame with ROMPER STOMPER and went on to star in acclaimed films including L.A. CONFIDENTIAL, THE INSIDER, GLADIATOR, and A BEAUTIFUL MIND. His extensive filmography spans genres and generations, with standout performances in AMERICAN GANGSTER, LES MISÉRABLES, and THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER. At the 21st Zurich Film Festival, Crowe presented NUREMBERG and received the Lifetime Achievement Award honoring his remarkable career. ZFF Masters are in-depth conversations with renowned voices from world cinema, which are open to the public and take place during the Zurich Film Festival. They offer audiences insight into the creative process and artistic vision of personalities in film around the world.

    1h 8m
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About

The Zurich Film Festival brings you an exclusive selection of recorded interviews, talks and Q&A's that offer fascinating insights into the creative process of directors, screenwriters, producers and actors, with renowned personalities such as Kate Winslet, Sebastian Stan, Johnny Depp and many more.

Information

  • Creator
    Zurich Film Festival
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Zurich Film Festival