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 6th edition from 29-31 January 2024. 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.
What was the inspiration behind FILMFEST?
The FILMFEST Lausanne association was born in 2018 from a simple observation: the German language, although taught from elementary school onwards, remains little spoken in French-speaking Switzerland and suffers from a negative image, making it even harder to learn. The aim of organizing a festival of German-language films is therefore to enable students in Romandie to discover German-speaking culture through the cinema, and in so doing, to inspire them to learn the language in greater depth.
From the start, we also wanted to organize public evening screenings to enable French-speaking audiences to discover the richness of current German-language cinema, and to exchange views with the directors and actors of the various films.
I'm a product of the French-speaking public school system, and I too was confronted with the difficulty of learning German at school. For me, the turning point came when I saw the film "der Himmel über Berlin" (Wim Wenders, 1987). The film made me realize for the first time that German is a beautiful language, and it made me want to go there and learn more. I told myself that if it worked for me, it could work for others...
What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
Setting up this kind of event on a strictly voluntary basis is a major challenge, as each member of the organizing committee devotes a considerable amount of time to it.
What are your plans for the future?
Our aim is to continue with our school program for which we have about 4000 participants this year, while at the same time strongly developing the public festival. It's a real challenge, given the abundance of cultural offerings in our region, but we're working very hard on it.
Enter our competition to win a double ticket!
FILMFEST have kindly offered 5 of our readers the chance to win a ticket for any session (value Fr. 12.-/ticket).
To enter the competition, just fill in this form and answer this multiple choice question: In what year did The FILMFEST Lausanne association start?
Only one entry per person and per email is allowed. The competition closes at midnight on Thursday, 25 January 2024. The names of all those submitting correct answers will be placed into the digital hat and the winner’s name drawn at random by Friday, 26 January 2024. No cash equivalent of prizes is permitted. The winner will be notified by email.
FILMFEST
29-31 January 2024
www.filmfest-lausanne.ch
Welcome to the German-Speaking Film Festival of French-speaking Switzerland, showcasing German-language films that are hot off the press. Explore works selected for their contemporary relevance and cultural impact.
PROGRAM
All movies are in German with French subtitles.
MONDAY, 29 JANUARY 2024
Opening film
- Lars Eidinger - Sein oder nicht sein
Première in Suisse romande
Monday, 29 January 2024 - 20h
Casino de Montbenon - Salle Paderewski
In the presence of director Reiner Holzemer
The film will be followed by an aperitif at the Salon offered by the Filmfest committee.
TUESDAY, 30 JANUARY 2024
- In einem Land, das es nicht mehr gibt
Première in Suisse romande
Tuesday, 30 January 2024 - 18h30
Casino de Montbenon - Cinématographe
In the presence of Frank Schäfer (original character) and Aelrun Goette (director) - Tausend Zeilen
Première in Suisse romande
Tuesday, 30 January 2024 - 20h
Casino de Montbenon - Paderewski
In the presence of Hermann Florin, producer and scriptwriter of the film - Roter Himmel
Tuesday, 30 January 2024 - 21h
Casino de Montbenon - Cinématographe
The film will be presented and commented by Joas Maggetti of UNIL's Cinéma section.
WEDNESDAY, 31 JANUARY 2024
- Die stillen Trabanten
Première in Suisse romande
Wednesday, 31 January 2024 - 18h30
Casino de Montbenon - Cinématographe - Elaha
Première in Suisse romande
Wednesday, 31 January 2024 - 20h
Casino de Montbenon - Paderewski
In the presence of local councillor Sevgi Koyuncu and several members of the Lausanne section of the Kurdistan au féminin association. - Ingeborg Bachmann - Reise in die Wüste
Premiere in French-speaking Switzerland
Wednesday, 31 January 2024 - 21h
Casino de Montbenon - Cinématographe
An interview with Heinz Bachmann, author of the book Ingeborg Bachmann, meine Schwester, will accompany the film.
