The prestigious Solothurn Film Festival (Solothurner Filmtage) returns in January 2025, to present an amazingly diverse selection of films, workshops, prize-giving ceremonies and networking events, attracting some of the most important figures in the Swiss film industry! This year marks the 59th edition of the festival!
Solothurn Film Festival - the most important annual Swiss film event
Solothurn Film Festival is regarded as the most important annual event for Swiss filmmaking. What makes Solothurn Film Festival stand out consistently is its focus on home-grown talent in cinema.
The festival was established with the aim of helping talented, independent filmmakers from all across the different cantons of Switzerland to reach high standards and new audiences. The festival is known for its innovative programming and its focus on independent works. Quality films by many different filmmakers are presented to a large, international audience in Solothurn with the aim of inspiring and broadening the horizons of Swiss-made movies.
Prestigious prizes at Solothurn Film Festival
Many prizes are awarded each year at the festival: Prix de Soleure (Jury Award), Prix du Public (Audience Award), Prix Pathé (Film Critic Prize), Prix d'honneur (a prize for a Swiss professional in the industry whose achievements have made an outstanding contribution to the Swiss film culture), Swiss Television Award and numerous prizes for emerging talent.
Components of Solothurn Film Festival programme
The Solothurn Film Festival festival programme is divided up into four sections:
Swiss Panorama - presents Swiss films in all genres and lengths, from all the different linguistic regions of Switzerland, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity.
Rencontre - focuses on the work of one individual whose work plays a notable role in the Swiss film industry.
Focus - zooms in on the diversity of cinema itself, zoning in on topical issues that challenge the boundaries of cinematic conventions and finding new pastures in the audiovisual landscape.
Supporting programme - consists of side-events that make Solothurn Film Festival a well-rounded event, including panel discussions, workshops and special screening for children.