Gala Screenings Planned for ‘Anora’ & ‘Blitz’

The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) has unveiled its Gala programme lineup for its 19th edition, scheduled from October 3 to 13.

Among the selected films is Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winning feature “Anora”, starring Mikey Madison, Paul Weissman, and Lindsey Normington. Steve McQueen’s “Blitz” will also be showcased, featuring a cast that includes Saoirse Ronan, Elliot Heffernan, Harris Dickinson, and Paul Weller. “Blitz” is set to open the London Film Festival.

German filmmaker Edward Berger’s latest work “Conclave” is another highlight. The film stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow and follows Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) as he navigates political scheming in the search for a new Pope after the previous one passes away. Lawrence discovers a hidden secret by the late Pope, a revelation that must be unveiled before a new Pope is elected.

“In recent years, the ZFF has established itself as an important event for the film industry on the way to award season,” noted Christian Jungen, Artistic Director of the Zurich Film Festival. He added that Hollywood is deeply ingrained in the festival, and they are delighted to present major American films with Oscar potential, alongside world premieres of notable German-language productions.

The lineup also includes “Der Spitzname”, a world premiere comedy from Germany directed by Sönke Wortmann and starring Iris Berben, Christoph Maria Herbst, Florian David Fitz, and Janina Uhse. The story follows an eventful family gathering in the Alps for a wedding that may not go as planned.

Other films featured are:

WILLIAM TELL – European Premiere
An epic tale directed by Nick Hamm, stars Claes Bang, Connor Swindells, Ellie Bamber, and Sir Ben Kingsley. The film is set in the 14th Century within the Holy Roman Empire and centers on William Tell, a peaceful hunter who leads a rebellion against the tyrannical Austrian King to protect his family and country.

A REAL PAIN – European Premiere
Directed by Jesse Eisenberg, featuring Kieran Culkin and Eisenberg himself, along with Jennifer Grey and Will Sharpe. The film narrates the journey of cousins David and Benji as they tour Poland to learn about their grandmother’s past, leading to a confrontation with their present and familial ties.

BLITZ – International Premiere
Directed by Steve McQueen, starring Saoirse Ronan, Elliot Heffernan, Harris Dickinson, and Paul Weller. Set during World War II, the film follows young George’s adventurous journey from London to the countryside during the Blitz, while his mother searches for him.

LANDESVERRÄTER – World Premiere
Directed by Michael Krummacher, this historical film stars Dimitri Krebs, Fabian Hinrichs, Stefan Gubser, and Lena Wedler. It tells the story of Ernst Schrämli, the first Swiss person to be executed for espionage during World War II.

THE LAST SHOWGIRL – Drama
Directed by Gia Coppola, featuring Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kiernan Shipka, and Dave Bautista. The story revolves around Shelly, a showgirl in her fifties, grappling with her future after her show abruptly ends, while mending her strained relationship with her daughter.

ANORA – Drama
Directed by Sean Baker and starring Mikey Madison, Paul Weissman, and Lindsey Normington. Anora, a young Brooklyn sex worker, marries an oligarch’s son, igniting a clash with his parents who aim to annul the marriage.

SEPTEMBER 5 – Drama
Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, starring Peter Sarsgaard, John Magaro, Leonie Benesch, and Ben Chaplin. The film dramatizes the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis from the perspective of ABC Sports’ live coverage of the event.

SOY NEVENKA – International Premiere
Directed by Icíar Bollaín, featuring Mireia Oriol, Ricardo Gomez, Pipo Suevos, and Carlos Serrano. It depicts the true story of Nevenka Fernández, the first woman to bring a prominent politician to justice for workplace sexual harassment.

THELMA – Action
Directed by Josh Margolin, starring June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, and Parker Posey. The film follows 93-year-old Thelma Post as she embarks on a quest to reclaim money lost to a phone scam, inspired by real-life events.

Source: Zurich Film Festival