Film News from Central Switzerland

Photo: Lili Kaelin

The sad news has already reached most of you through one channel or another:

In January, we unexpectedly had to say goodbye to our long-standing companion and friend Niklaus (Chläusi) Zeier, the co-founder of our organisation. The obituary by Lili Kaelin can be read in Cinébulletin.

In the months prior, we had been working intensively with Niklaus and the executive committee on organisational development to implement changes from 2026 onwards. Unfortunately, the new year began differently than planned, and the executive committee consisting of Erich Felber, Nicole Reisinger and Michael Rüedi, together with Lili Kaelin, are currently reviewing the measures initiated together.

We will continue our commitment to the Central Switzerland film region in Chläusi's spirit and will inform you about the innovations in our June newsletter, following the General Assembly of our sponsoring association in May.

L.t.r.: Lili Kaelin (Film Commissioner), Niklaus Zeier † (Member of the Board and Committee from 2026), Erich Felber (Co-President), Nicole Reisinger (Member of the Board and Committee), Michael Rüedi (Member of the Board and Committee)

Productions

Home game for Thaïs Odermatt on the Bannalp NW

Photo: Thaïs Odermatt

Filmmaker Thaïs Odermatt has found the perfect location for her latest project on the Bannalp.

The screenwriter and director, who hails from Stans, filmed her short fiction film MIGGI’S BÜGELLIFT in February at the Chrüzhütte, in the snow, wind and weather.

The crew and cast were also from the region. For the production, Thaïs Odermatt again relied on the collaboration with the renowned Zurich production company maximage, which has already produced her previous projects.

We don't want to reveal anything about the content yet, only this: perhaps Miggi is still shovelling snow for her wondrous snow mountain…

Commercial shoot in Einsiedeln SZ

Photo: Arnold Bucher

Sometimes a project makes headlines before filming is even finished. This happened at the end of February in Einsiedeln, when the next Christmas commercial for GALAXUS was filmed. The shoot, directed by Chris Niemeyer (THE UNDERTAKER, LOVE ROULETTE), took place at the legendary Goldapfel bakery, among other locations. While spring was already announcing itself in reality, Kronengasse turned truly wintry once again, complete with Christmas lights, a Christmas tree and, of course, snow.

The film production was hard to miss and also attracted the interest of the local newspaper EINSIEDLER ANZEIGER, which dedicated a whole page to the topic.

We are taking this opportunity to introduce the Goldapfel to you in our location database.

The spot is expected to be seen in cinemas, on television and online in November.

Network

General Assembly European Film Commissions Network

Networking and exchange on a regional, national and international level are an important and valuable part of our work. Since 2023, our Film Commission has been a member of the European Film Commissions Network EUFCN, the network of film commissions from all over Europe. This is a quality label that not only enables professional exchange and mutual learning but also organises events such as meetings with internationally active producers.

The annual General Assembly takes place alongside the European Film Market as part of the Berlinale.

Present on site were representatives from regions and countries such as Åland, Andalusia, Berlin-Brandenburg, Bavaria, France, Iceland, London, Malta, Norway, Tyrol, South Tyrol, Serbia, Slovakia, Veneto, Warsaw, Vienna to Zagreb and many others.

Spot on

Here we present people, companies or organisations from the Central Swiss creative industries.

Currently, another film festival is just around the corner in Central Switzerland:

Bergwelten Filmfestival Stans (3–7 June)

For five days, always around Corpus Christi, the Nidwalden cantonal capital at the interface between the Swiss plateau and the Alps becomes the venue for the Bergwelten film festival:

The focus is on films that depict and reflect the mountain regions, the culture and nature of the Alpine region as well as environmental issues.

Film curator and distributor Beat Käslin, himself a native of Stans, founded the festival together with Schwyz filmmaker Thomas Horat and today serves as festival director. The BWFF is already in its fourth round, and preparations are in full swing. In addition to the film programme, there is a fringe programme with discussion panels; at many screenings, the filmmakers are present for audience discussions.

You can find more information and the programme from 1 May here.

Discover

From alpine to urban – and all in between: Central Switzerland has great landscape diversity in a small area as well as unique locations. Today we take you to Lake Lucerne:

Seehotel Baumgarten, Kehrsiten NW

Photo: Simone Reinhard, Seehotel Baumgarten

Rural and secluded yet easy to reach: this charming hideaway is situated at the foot of the Bürgenstock, directly on Lake Lucerne. The old, rustic chalet has been complemented by a modern new building made of wood and granite. Baumgarten has its own jetty, a small marina and even its own little swimming area. You can find more information and pictures in our location database.

Photo: FOC / Eduard Meltzer

And finally: Warmest congratulations!

On 27 March, HELDIN was honoured with four Quartz trophies at the Swiss Film Awards 2026 – including Best Feature Film, Best Screenplay, Best Sound and the newly created Box Office Quartz for the greatest box office success (over 206,000 admissions). Behind the film are the two Lucerne producers Lukas Hobi and Reto Schärli from Zodiac Pictures.

The work by director and screenwriter Petra Volpe is a tribute to nursing professionals and addresses the overburdened healthcare system. The Swiss-German co-production celebrated its world premiere at the Berlinale and has been sold to over 50 countries. Heartfelt congratulations from Lucerne!

All winners of the Swiss Film Awards 2026: FOC press release

And we are already looking forward: Zodiac Pictures will be filming in Central Switzerland this summer with an exciting new project – stay tuned!

Kind regards from Lucerne and see you soon in Central Switzerland!

Lili, Erich, Nicole & Michael