After Valais, "Mein Freund Barry" arrives in Ticino

After several weeks in Valais, Mein Freund Barry has arrived in Ticino, where, after Acquarossa, filming will continue until mid-March in Minusio.

Produced by Marcel Wolfisberg for the Lucerne-based Atlantis Pictures in collaboration with the German MMC Zodiac, the film, directed by Markus Welter, brings to the big screen a family adventure centered around the legendary Saint Bernard dog credited with saving forty people lost in the snow.

The story of this period film is set at the end of the 18th century. Twelve-year-old Georg and his older brother Alfons, war orphans from Central Switzerland, are making the arduous journey through the Great San Bernando Pass, hoping to seek their fortune in Italy. When Georg falls ill, Alfons leaves him at the hospice run by monks. There, Georg struggles against the prejudices of the novices, especially the leader Célestin. A tender friendship with Resi, the daughter of the dog handler, helps him overcome his shyness. Georg secretly cares for a weak puppy named Barry. But when Célestin betrays him, Georg must fight for his future before the Prior and is given one last chance.

The Film Commissions of Valais and Ticino also support the project. "We are happy to welcome this film – emphasizes Lisa Barzaghi, operational manager of the Ticino Film Commission – and to work on a joint project with the Valais Film Commission, with which we have had excellent relations for some time. It is an opportunity that allows us to promote multiple regions of Switzerland as a film territory together."

The cast of Mein Freund Barry includes Max Hubacher, Christoph Gaugler, Ulrich Tukur, Carlos Leal, Paco von Wyss, Mael Gallati, Alma Büchenbacher, and Yousef Sweid. The release is scheduled for January 2026.