Film producer Glen Basner received the Game Changer award at the Zurich Film Festival, recognised for his leadership of FilmNation Entertainment and his contributions to independent cinema. Oscar-winning filmmaker Edward Berger held a public session honouring Basner, praising their working relationship and reflecting on their collaborative successes, which include the Academy Award-nominated film Conclave. The discussion highlighted their shared philosophy of prioritising storytelling and creative excellence over commercial pressure.

Berger recounted how, when he was eager to submit Conclave to the Venice Film Festival, Basner counselled restraint, advising him to test the film with friends and family first rather than rush to submission. Although initial testing showed only modest results, this decision proved wise, as further refinement ultimately strengthened the film. Berger credited Basner and producer Tessa Ross with teaching him the value of patience and continuous improvement—lessons rooted in their shared experience at production company Good Machine. The film subsequently premiered at Telluride and went on to earn major award nominations. At this year's Zurich festival, Basner is producing three films, including Florian Zeller's Bunker, starring Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz.