After ten successful years under the management of the NZZ, a new ownership group centred around Festival Director Christian Jungen is now taking over the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF). In addition to Jungen, the team also includes Deputy Director Reta Guetg as well as entrepreneur and presenter Max Loong, the founder of "NZZ am Sonntag" Felix E. Müller and financial expert Marek Skreta. NZZ is selling the festival as part of a management buyout and will thus withdraw as owner from July 2025.
The NZZ has provided strategic support to the festival over the past decade and played a key role in establishing the ZFF as one of the most important film festivals in Europe. In particular, Festival Director Christian Jungen and his team have shaped the artistic direction of the festival over the past six years, which has grown steadily even in challenging times such as the pandemic and Hollywood strikes. The anniversary edition in 2024 even saw record numbers of visitors and ticket sales.
In view of the changing cultural environment, the festival needs new scope for creative and entrepreneurial development. The NZZ therefore made a conscious decision in favour of a sale within the existing team in order to ensure continuity and at the same time open up new opportunities for growth.
The new owners bring a wide range of expertise to the table: Max Loong has experience in sponsorship and event management, Felix E. Müller knows the history of the ZFF inside out as an author and long-standing festival president, and Marek Skreta complements the team with international film industry experience. Together they want to develop the festival into an indispensable meeting place for filmmakers and audiences.
Christian Jungen emphasises that the ZFF should grow as a Zurich festival with international aspirations and position itself as one of Europe's leading film events. New partnerships, private sponsorship and greater involvement of foundations and public institutions are planned.
At the same time, the cinema company Kinokoni is taking over the Frame cinema in Europaallee, which belongs to the festival. The cinema will be given a new concept with a stronger focus on catering, room rental and an enhanced experience for visitors - but the Frame will remain an important part of the ZFF.
All in all, the Zurich Film Festival is embarking on a promising future with a new ownership structure and fresh impetus.