Film news from Central Switzerland

_{^{Photo: Lili Kaelin}}

Most of you have already heard the sad news through one channel or another: In January, we unexpectedly had to say goodbye to our longtime colleague and friend Niklaus (Chläusi) Zeier, the co-founder of our organization. Lili Kaelin’s obituary can be read in the Cinébulletin.

In the months leading up to this, we worked intensively with Niklaus and the executive committee on organizational development, with the aim of implementing these changes starting in 2026. Unfortunately, the new year has now begun differently than planned, and the executive committee—comprising Erich Felber, Nicole Reisinger, and Michael Rüedi, as well as Lili Kaelin—is currently working together to revise the measures that had been initiated.

We will continue our commitment to the Central Switzerland film region in Chläusi’s spirit and memory, and we will inform you about the changes in our June newsletter following the general assembly of our supporting association in May.

^{_{From left to right: Lili Kaelin (Film Commissioner), Niklaus Zeier † (Board and Committee Member from 2026), Erich Felber (Co-President), Nicole Reisinger (Board and Committee Member), Michael Rüedi (Board and Committee Member)}}

_{^{Photo: Desmond Hudson}}

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

The Stans-born screenwriter and director shot her short film MIGGI’S BÜGELLIFT in February at the Chrüzhütte, in the snow, come rain or shine.

The crew and cast were also from the region. For this production, Thaïs Odermatt is once again collaborating with the renowned Zurich-based production company maximage, which has already produced her previous projects.

We don’t want to give anything away yet, except this: Maybe Miggi is still shoveling snow for her wondrous snow mountain…

_{^{Photo: Arnold Bucher}}

Sometimes a project makes headlines before it’s even finished. That’s exactly what happened in late February in Einsiedeln, when GALAXUS’s next Christmas commercial was filmed. The shoot, directed by Chris Niemeyer (THE UNDERTAKER, LOVE ROULETTE), took place at locations including the legendary Goldapfel bakery. While spring was already in the air in reality, Kronengasse was transformed back into a winter wonderland, complete with Christmas lights, a Christmas tree, and, of course, snow.

The film production was impossible to miss and also caught the attention of the regional newspaper EINSIEDLER ANZEIGER (only in German), which dedicated an entire page to the topic. We’re taking this opportunity to introduce you to the Goldapfel in our location database. The commercial is expected to air in November in theaters, on TV, and online.

Networking and exchange—regionally, nationally, and internationally—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 across Europe. A quality label that not only facilitates professional exchange and mutual learning but also organizes events such as meetings with internationally active producers.

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

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, and Zagreb, among many others, were present.

For five days, always around Corpus Christi, the capital of the canton of Nidwalden—located at the intersection of the Swiss Plateau and the Alps—hosts the Bergwelten Film Festival:

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

Film curator and distributor Beat Käslin, a native of Stans himself, founded the festival together with Schwyz-based filmmaker Thomas Horat and now serves as festival director. The BWFF is already in its fourth year, and preparations are in full swing. In addition to the film program, there is a supporting program featuring discussion panels, and filmmakers will be present for Q&A sessions following many screenings.

More information and the program (available starting May 1) can be found here.

_{^{Photo: Simone Reinhard, Seehotel Baumgarten}}

Rural and secluded, yet easily accessible: this charming hideaway is located at the foot of the Bürgenstock, right on Lake Lucerne. The old, rustic chalet has been complemented by a modern new building made of wood and granite. Baumgarten has its own dock, a small boat harbor, and even its own little swimming area. More info and photos can be found in our location database.