EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: THE UNVEILING OF THE 30TH GIFF
In November, Geneva International Film Festival (GIFF) will celebrate 30 editions of exploring new territories in audiovisual fiction. A crossroads of genres and disciplines, the GIFF invites its audience to dive into the effervescence of contemporary creation. Inspiring films, series, and immersive works will transport you to a new dimension of cinematic experience. More than 120 electrifying works, an audiovisual innovation market, prestigious talents, and the promise of discoveries await you.
IMMERSIVE
The GIFF unveils the first highlights of its 30th edition. Among the featured works is The Golden Key, an immersive experience that invites the audience to expand the mythological repertoire of an AI in a post-apocalyptic future. This interactive and playful installation integrates participants’ personal stories in real time.
THE GOLDEN KEY (LA CLÉ D’OR)
Marc Da Costa, Matthew Niederhauser | 2023 | US
-> Trailer
SWISSPHORIA!
Dive into Swiss digital creation with the special program SWISSPHORIA! Be the first to explore the world premiere of the VR restoration of the documentary Impressions of Switzerland and the digitization of the Panorama of the Battle of Morat. Six contemporary works from the NeoDoc collection will complete this unforgettable experience.
PANORAMA OF THE BATTLE OF MURTEN
Louis Braun | 1894 | CH
At the end of the 15th century, the Burgundy Wars were raging in what was not yet modern-day Switzerland. The Duke of Burgundy, Charles the Bold, was defeated by the Confederates at the Battle of Murten in 1476. Four centuries later, the German painter Louis Braun set about creating a panorama, a circular painting measuring ten by one hundred meters, depicting in detail this great moment in Swiss history. After twenty years out of sight, the DIAGRAM project (Digitizing and Augmenting the Panorama of the Battle of Murten), led by Professor Sarah Kenderdine, awakens the Panorama from its torpor and sets about digitizing it. The result is the largest digital image ever created, accompanied by sounds and smells in this unique immersive experience.
IMPRESSIONS OF SWITZERLAND
Ernst A. Heiniger | 1984 | CH
Restless lakes, modern factories, the Tschäggättä on a road trip, mountaineers in full ascent, cows roaming the alpine pastures, the tranquil ruins of the countryside… Nothing seems to escape the wide lens of the Swissorama recording and projection system developed over more than a decade by avant-garde pioneer Ernst Heiniger in the early 1980s. A self-taught Disney director, Impressions de la Suisse is a dizzyingly moving portrait of old Helvetia, with its varied and sometimes little-known facets. This is a unique opportunity to (re)discover this legendary documentary, which was shown continuously at the Museum of Transport in Lucerne from 1984 to 2002, and has recently been restored by the Cinémathèque suisse in virtual reality.
NEODOC: NEW DOCUMENTARY EXPRESSIONS
2024 | CH
From deepfake to interactive micro-trottoir, these six winning projects from the Pôle de Création Numérique’s first call are captivating examples of the richness of innovation in Western Switzerland.
- Data Archaeology, Achille Masson, 2024, CH, Installation interactive
- Soon to Disappear, Andreia Rodrigues, 2024, CH, Réalité augmentée (AR)
- Enter the Mirrorworld, Benoît Perrin, 2024, CH, Installation interactive
- Futur[s], Benoît Renaudin, Isis Fahmy, 2024, CH, Théâtre immersif
- Deepfake Débat, Peter Grönquist, Carine Jaggi, 2024, CH, Performance en IA
- Carbovirium, Yoann Douillet, 2024, CH, Installation
POP TV
GIFF, Cinémathèque suisse, RTS and INA pay tribute to the legendary Pierre Koralnik, a master of Swiss cinema and television production. (Re)discover his artist portraits, iconic shows, and fictions featuring Serge Gainsbourg, Françoise Hardy, and Anna Karina.
ANNA
Pierre Koralnik | 1967 | CH
Our hero (Jean-Claude Brialy) is desperate to find the mysterious young woman whose eyes have captivated him so madly. Little does he know that this gaze is hidden behind the thick dark glasses of one of his advertising agency employees, a discreet colorist played by the sublime Anna Karina… Will these two souls lost in their solitude manage to find each other? Michèle Arnaud commissioned Pierre Koralnik, a Franco-Swiss director, to write this colorful, unbridled pop musical, which remains one of his most popular productions. Serge Gainsbourg composed the songs, including the unforgettable Sous le soleil exactement.
SERIES
The GIFF is the major platform for launching series in Switzerland. Series enthusiasts will be able to discover the best of local and international productions. While waiting for the full program to be published on October 10th, here is a preview including a few titles.
THE ZWEIFLERS
David Hadda | 2024 | DE | 6×45’
Are the Zweiflers just another family? Well, not exactly. Owners of Frankfurt’s most renowned delicatessen, their world is shaken when Symcha, head of the family and manager of the business, decides to sell it to an investor. Three generations of Zweiflers struggle to cope with this sudden and brutal decision. Created by David Hadda, this subtle comedy-drama with a corrosive sense of humor boasts a gallery of colorful characters portrayed by an impeccable cast. Leading the cast are Aaron Altaras, Sunnyi Melles (Triangle of Sadness) and Mike Burstyn.
GENERATION Z
Ben Wheatley | 2024 | GB | 6×60’
Created by Ben Wheatley, the mastermind behind the films Sightseers (2012) and Rebecca (2020), this English horror-comedy produced for Channel 4 offers a hilarious tale of boomers transformed into flesh-eating zombies. With a touch of metaphor, the story depicts the many funny complications facing the notorious Generation Z, and describes a new kind of intergenerational confrontation. The series, one of the most eagerly awaited of the Fall 2024 season, is scheduled to air on Halloween, October 31.
BULLSHIT
Milad Alami | 2024 | DK | 6×45’
Inspired by true events, this Danish series created by Milad Alami (Opponent) plunges us into the heady world of motorcycle gangs. Henning (aka Mackerel) dreams of becoming a gang leader. He meets Pia, an idealist who has run away from her family. Together, they are madly in love, until a clan war breaks out and jeopardizes their fragile equilibrium. A heartfelt and heartbreaking series in which the spirit of rebellion and social protest resonates, all supported by a 4-star cast featuring Alba August (The Rain), Marco Ilsø (Vikings) and Clint Ruben (The Venus Effect).
