Behind the Scenes at the Zurich Film Festival: A Volunteer’s Perspective

Experiencing the magic of film, culture, and community at the 20th anniversary of Switzerland’s biggest cinematic event.

This year marked a significant milestone for the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) as it celebrated 20 years of bringing cinematic magic to Switzerland. As one of the most important cultural events in the German-speaking world, the festival drew over 140,000 visitors and welcomed 137 film guests from across the globe. Legendary stars like Kate Winslet, Richard Gere, and Pamela Anderson graced the Green Carpet, capturing the attention of audiences and media alike.

For months, I’d been hearing stories about the ZFF from a friend whose daughter had volunteered for six consecutive years. Their excitement was contagious. Each year, they eagerly anticipated the festival, treating it as a grand celebration. Their stories of the buzz, the glamour, and the chance to contribute to such a prestigious event sparked my curiosity. This year, I decided to dive in and join them as a volunteer, stepping into the world of film and cultural festivities.

Perks of Being a Volunteer

As one of the approximately 400 volunteers, I quickly discovered that the perks were exceptional. Beyond the free coffee and meals, the festival treated us with personalized lanyards, custom volunteer shirts, and a dedicated Volunteer Appreciation Day. Most exciting, however, was the free access to all the films — a dream for any film enthusiast!

The festival was spread across eight locations in central Zurich, each offering a unique atmosphere. The main venue at Sechsel?utenplatz was alive with activities, including a Green Carpet welcome, festival drinks, an open-air bar, and vibrant food trucks like Oh My Greek and Napulé, offering a diverse culinary experience to festivalgoers.

Opening Night: My First Shift

My first shift kicked off on Opening Night at the beautiful Kongresshaus. I arrived early to my cloakroom duty, eager to get started. The other volunteers were friendly and quickly briefed me on the tasks before passing on their roles.

Earlier in the evening, British actor and filmmaker Jude Law had presented his latest film, The Order, and was honored with the Golden Eye Award — a symbol of excellence in film. Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Switzerland’s Minister of Culture, delivered a welcome speech, and the energy in the air was palpable. Over 200 guests from the film industry attended, each radiating a sense of glamour and excitement. I almost wished I were on the Green Carpet myself!

The guests were gracious and appreciative of our work in the cloakroom. By the time the afterparty ended around 2:30 a.m., we were finally done. It was a long but rewarding night, and a memorable introduction to the festival.

Movie Premiere: Conclave with Ralph Fiennes

The first film I had the pleasure of watching was the gala premiere of Conclave, starring the inimitable Ralph Fiennes. Famous for his roles in Schindler’s List and as Voldemort in Harry Potter, Fiennes was captivating in this gripping thriller set in the Vatican’s secretive halls of power. Directed by Swiss-Austrian filmmaker Edward Berger, the film was based on the novel by Robert Harris and has earned an impressive 7.4 rating on IMDb.

The film was shown at the fully-booked Kongresssaal, a 1,500-seat venue by Lake Zurich, and ended with a well-deserved standing ovation. Ralph Fiennes’ performance and the film’s authentic sets and costumes made it a highlight of the festival for me.

Selling Tombola Tickets and Watching Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

After my third shift, where I sold around 100 tombola tickets to a mix of affluent guests and press members, I was ready for a break. During the shift, I had a fun conversation with Gio Ventura, who was on the hunt for the Wi-Fi password, and shared laughs with an older woman who offered her witty opinions on Jude Law and other stars.

Later, we headed to Sihlcity for the gala premiere of Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. With popcorn in hand, we settled into the half-full cinema hall to watch the documentary on Christopher Reeve, the iconic Superman. The film offered a candid look at Reeve’s life, including his paralysis, award nights, and public appearances. Despite not being a fan of documentaries, I found the film moving and insightful, providing a window into a different era of fame.

A Night by the Limmat: Working the Frauenbadi Event

My fourth shift took me to the scenic Frauenbadi at Stadtquai, where I supported logistics for two company cocktail parties hosted by Zurich Insurance and Bellevue Asset Management. Despite the chilly weather, the guests arrived in high spirits, eager to enjoy the festivities.

The venue was illuminated with violet lights and a festive Christmas tree, creating a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere. My tasks involved keeping the bar area clean, recycling glass bottles, and ensuring the refrigerators were well-stocked. The guests’ upbeat energy made the shift a whirlwind, and though exhausting, it was an eye-opening experience, offering practical life skills far removed from my usual work as a software engineer.

Cinema Support: A Crime Thriller to Remember

Two of my shifts involved cinema support, where I scanned tickets, ushered visitors, and helped clean up after the films. It was a straightforward role but rewarding in its own way. I had the chance to sit back, relax, and enjoy films from the prestigious balcony seats while sipping coffee and munching on popcorn.

The film I watched during this time was The Order, a crime thriller starring Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult. The story, based on true events, follows an FBI agent’s pursuit of a white supremacist group, The Order, active in the U.S. in the 1980s. It also touched on recent events, including the January 6 Capitol attack. The film was tense and captivating, making it a must-watch for crime thriller fans.

Volunteering at the Zurich Film Festival was a dynamic experience, filled with unforgettable moments both behind the scenes and in front of the screen. From handling logistics at elegant cocktail parties to watching world-class films like Conclave and The Order, each shift offered a fresh perspective on the festival’s grandeur.

One of the most enriching aspects was meeting guests and staff from diverse backgrounds. These individuals were not only stylish and gracious, but they also offered new perspectives on life and work. It was a welcome break from my usual environment, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning from them.

Looking back, I’m grateful to have played a part in the 20th anniversary of the Zurich Film Festival. It wasn’t just about the stars or the films, but about teamwork, dedication, and creating a memorable experience for everyone involved. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me for years to come.