Zurich Film Fest Galas Set for Award Contenders ‘I Play Rocky,’ ‘Possible Love,’ ‘Josephine’
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Zurich International Film Festival has announced gala highlights for its 2026 edition, featuring several anticipated awards-season films including I Play Rocky, Possible Love and Josephine. Festival director Christian Jungen said the programme aims to bring auteur cinema to a wider audience, reinforcing Zurich’s role as an international awards-season stop.
The line-up includes world premieres of Andreas Dresen’s Love, After All, Doris Dörrie’s How Can I Help? and Simon Wallon’s documentary The Hammer. Other galas include 111 – Echoes from Halifax, about the 1998 Swissair Flight 111 crash, plus Venice titles Company, It Will Happen Tonight and Burgundy; the 22nd festival runs from 24 September to 4 October.
- Zurich unveils gala films for its 2026 festival.
- Several awards-season titles will screen.
- The festival runs from 24 September to 4 October.
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The Zurich International Film Festival is an annual film event in Switzerland that presents new films to public audiences and industry figures. It is often watched during the autumn awards season, when films can build attention before major prizes such as the Oscars and the BAFTAs.
Festival galas are high-profile screenings, usually for films with prominent casts, directors or strong awards prospects. The programme combines world premieres with films previously shown at festivals such as Venice, helping international productions reach Swiss audiences and buyers.
‘I Play Rocky’, ‘Possible Love’ and ‘Josephine’ are among the films expected to draw attention in this year’s gala selection. The festival’s director, Christian Jungen, has said Zurich wants to make director-led cinema accessible to a broad audience while maintaining its place on the international festival circuit.
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