Filmfest 2024 © Vincent Guignet
As German is the most spoken language in Switzerland and all children attending schools in the Swiss Education System are taught it, it makes perfect sense for German-speaking films to have their own festival. FILMFEST returns to the Casino de Montbenon in Lausanne for its 7th edition from 28-31 January 2025. Comprising a school program in the canton of Vaud and a program for the public, this year's festival expands its line-up to include seven films, six of which will be premièred in Romandie, in the presence of distinguished guests, filmmakers, and producers.
Initially aimed at age 15-19 students, this year FILMFEST is expanding its scope to include films to include the 12-15 age group as well. More than 4,000 students are expected from Yverdon-les-Bains to Vevey, via Lausanne, to discover the German language in a new light.
Of course, adults and the general public are more than welcome and a special program (see bottom of article) has been established. Check out our competition to win a ticket!
We caught up with Eric Flury, the president of FILMFEST, the German Film Festival held in Lausanne.
This winter leisure space welcomes the public on Quai Gustave-Ador between 22 January and 6 April 2025. Sports and wellness activities are offered during the winter.
At La Banquise, three distinct areas are proposed: sports, wellness, and refreshment with a view of Lake Geneva to take your breath away!
The sports zone to discover Nordic sports
You can try axe throwing for free in 5 to 10 minute sessions, depending on the number of people and the waiting time; or you can practice mattcurling.
A wellness area with saunas
- three wood-fired saunas
- showers fed by lake water
- changing rooms with lockers
Urban art using light against the background of the "rade" lakefront area, encouraging the public to enjoy the city and venture out despite the season. Last year marked the 10th edition so we are expecting great things for this 11th edition. You can see the art forms on l'Ille Rousseau, and around the lake front every evening.
On the weekends, creatures of the shadows and lake elves emerge to celebrate the return of the light. All shows are free. See below for more information.
These seasonal ice-skating rinks are open during the winter months. Skates can be rented for a nominal charge and skating is usually free. Here are some (not all) but we can add to the list if you see one you would like to let us know about.
G E N E V A C A N T O N
** Centre sportif de la Vigne Blanche Bellevue
Ch. des Tuileries
1293 Bellevue (GE)
LINK
Skate rink: 23 November 2024 to 2 March 2025
There is a restaurant and snack bar, toilets, and skate rentals. Free entry.
** Patinoire de Carouge
Place Sardaigne
1227 Carouge
LINK
23 November 2024 through 2 March 2025
The rink is now covered to allow you to enjoy no matter the weather. The website lets you know when the ice rink is open and how busy it is. The adjoining Ice Bar serves drinks, crepes, fondue and more.
** Patinoire de Grand-Saconnex
Parc du Château Pictet
corner of route de Ferney / chemin du Pommier
1218 Le Grand-Saconnex
079 958 84 48
LINK
Open 16 November 2024 through 2 March 2025
Open daily 9h-19h, Tuesday till 18h30, Friday till 20h, Saturday 11h-20h, Sunday 11h-19h. Price skate rental: Fr. 3.- cash only. Entry free. La Yourte aux fondues is open daily 10h-23h (reservations: 077 412 66 05).
** Patinoire du centre sportif de Meyrin
7-9, av. Louis-Rendu
1217 Meyrin (GE)
022 782 13 00
LINK
Open 25 November 2024 through 2 March 2025
Large open-air skating rink, skate rental and lessons available. Price: Fr. 6.50/adult, Fr. 2.50/child. Snack bar.
** Planete Charmilles
Patinoire de l’Europe
Behind Planète Charmilles
Promenade de l'Europe 11
1203 Genève
022 418 40 00
LINK
Open 19 October 2024 to 1 March 2025
Price skate rental: Fr. 2.- cash only. Entry free.
** Patinoire de Plan-les-Ouates
Ecole du Pré-du-Camp
9, rte des Chevaliers-de-Malte
1228 Plan-les-Ouates (GE)
LINK
9 November 2024 to 2 March 2025
840m2. Not only is the skating rink have free entry but they also rent the skates for free (with ID card). Snack bar.
GAOS' traditional pantomime, Aladdin by Tom Whalley, is just around the corner and our readers have the chance to win a double ticket for the 12 December 2024, 19h30, show in Nyon. Tickets are selling out fast. With only 7 days (9 shows), you don't want to be disappointed!
Abanazar, an evil magician, has discovered the secret to becoming Master of the Universe. All he needs is an enchanted oil lamp hidden away for many years in a lost cave of treasures but only the 'chosen one' is allowed to set foot inside.
Meanwhile in the distant land of Marrakech, young Aladdin lives with his brother Wishee Washee and his man-hungry mother, Widow Twankey. Aladdin dreams of marrying the beautiful Princess Jasmine but a penniless laundry boy could never hope to have the love of a royal but...could he be the chosen one?
