Humans of Zurich: ZFF

“I tried to capture emotion. You float with her. She might say I don’t like you, but she really wants to say, I love you.” - Lisa Blatter, director, Skizzen von Lou (Snapshots of Lou), ZFF 2016

“Love is an anarchistic force, which doesn’t cost anything, yet it’s rare in this world. It has the possibility to be destructive or creative. It exists.” - Jan Gassmann, director, Europe She Loves, winner of Critics Award, Zurich Film Festival 2016

“I developed the idea for One of Us after reading about this real event that took place in an Austrian supermarket... I read about it in the news and kept thinking about it... because we all grow up as part of a community... The title “Einer Von Uns” is significant.” - Stephan

“I wrote Pikadero to reach out to others; there’s a love story there, and also a message about the economic crisis. Most people’s first question is: What does the title mean?” - Ben (with actress Irune)

Humans of Zurich, September-October 2015 project, Zurich Film Festival

“I was Mister Colombia International a few years ago. Now, I work as a change coach, helping others to adapt in a changing environment. I’m covering the Film Festival with the press.” - Rey (with Caitlin)

“I study at CalPoly, and I’m on a semester abroad here. I joined this club my freshman year; we use light sticks, spinning them. Now, I’m teaching others.” - Corey

“Her name is Lady Victoria of New South Wales. My son named her. He was fifteen at the time. I guess he thought it would be a good name. She’s a dream dog; the best dog I’ve ever had.” - Brigid

“We both work for Nespresso. We’re just hanging out here, on a break from work.” - Pascal (and Julia)

“I’m reading Rudolf Steiner’s Die Kunst des Erziehens.” - Magdalena

“We met here to enjoy the sun for a few minutes. We’re about to see 45 Years with Charlotte Rampling. Giselle is French; I’m from Switzerland.” - Tanya (left), with Giselle

“We’re sitting here by the green carpet, just waiting for friends to show up. We’re all going to see the Spanish movie Pikadero. We chose that film because it’s funny, a comedy. Something lighter.” - Guido (far right), with Terry and Angelo 

“No, I’m not a singer. I wish! I love singing all sorts of songs, especially in Spanish and Portuguese.” - Rossana (with mother, Graziella)

“You only live twice. One life for yourself, and one life for your dreams. I like that line (by Nancy Sinatra) a lot. It makes sense to me... Director Davide Pablos’ story is unbelievable. He works with real people. You can strangle your identity for years.” - Courtney

“My father left Spain during the turbulent time of Franco. He came to Zurich, where he met my mother... I love the film festival. The films are international; you feel, somehow, connected to people from all over the world.” - Mercedes

Warsaw crossing