The Zurich Film Festival first began all the way back in 2005 under the leadership of its co-founders, Nadja Schildknecht and Karl Spoerri. Now, after 15 years, Schildknecht and Spoerri are stepping down from their posts and they are planning on passing their torches to their successors by the year 2020.
It has been confirmed that Christian Jungen has been chosen to succeed Spoerri as the festival’s new artistic director. Jungen is the culture editor of NZZ am Sonntag, Swiss newspaper printed in German. Regarding his qualifications, Variety also reported that Jungen is an experienced film critic and has a PhD in film studies.
Viviana Vezzan, who is listed as the Senior Programmer, Head of Guest Management, and an Executive on the Festival’s official website, will also be stepping down from her position. However, Vezzan will stay on to assist Jungen as an advisor. The Zurich Film Festival’s official press releases also mention that a search for new commercial management to replace Schildknecht is underway but at this time, no candidate has been chosen.
The 2019 Zurich Film Festival will be taking place from September 26th to October 6th. The Festival is currently open to film submissions but the deadline for submission ends June 30th. Tickets and more information on the Zurich Film Festival can be found on their official website.
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