#zff2014

Five Facets, Captured in Images

While there were innumerable highlights at the 10th Zurich Film Festival, the following five themes were among the finest facets of this sparkling gem of a festival...

This year, ZFF created human connections.  The remarkable eleven days offered the chance to experience cinematic magic, storytelling genius, and creative freedom.  When we immersed ourselves in the vibrant energy of the crowded green carpet, basked in the splendour of an emotionally moving scene, and were transported by film, each moment offered a taste of transcendence in some shape or form.  We were able to travel beyond our own experience, to dream, and to empathize with others.  This could be one point of cinema: to serve as a connective device of compassion. 

As Roger Ebert said, "...the purpose of civilization and growth is to be able to reach out and empathize a little bit with other people.  And for me, the movies are like a machine that generates empathy. It lets you understand a little bit more about different hopes, aspirations, dreams and fears.  It helps us to identify with the people who are sharing this journey with us."  

Thanks to the team at ZFF, including organizers Nadja Schildknecht and Karl Spoerri, for providing us with such an incredible experience of dreams and drama this year!

It was definitely the year of the red shoe for leading ladies.  True to their own passions and individuality, 2014 stars need not tread lightly.  Certainly, Cate Blanchett (who came to present the opening of the photo exhibit "Timeless Portofino"), Claudia Traisac (at the ZFF screening of Escobar: Paradise Lost), and Diane Keaton (the first ZFF female recipient of the prestigious Golden Icon Award) dance to the beat of their own drum, and they do so with perfect panache!   

(note: Cate and Claudia wore bright red shoes; Diane's kicks had red accents visible on the heels!)

This year marked the 10th anniversary of ZFF, and it celebrated by creating open activities for all ages.  The festival center was in constant full swing, with various forms of music and entertainment that extended beyond the cinema.  Sunny, warm afternoons often lured visitors to stroll down the green carpet, relax by the fountains, and take in the full scene.

Whether it was John Malkovich offering a hand to assist his producer stepping down from the stage or Josh Hutcherson answering press questions with a winning smile, the 2014 leading men graced ZFF with charm, care, and sincerity.  Now, if we could only create a film with Liam Neeson, Antonio Banderas, Zach Braff, Benicio del Toro, John and Josh all together, that would be something.  Oceans 14, anyone?