Switzerland Film Commission strengthens its role at the Solothurn Film Days

For the second consecutive year, the Switzerland Film Commission (SFC) took part in the Solothurn Film Days to highlight the key role of the audiovisual industry in Switzerland’s economy and visibility. Through a round table bringing together cultural, economic, and political stakeholders, the SFC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national dialogue and consolidating existing instruments in order to establish itself as a central interlocutor within the Swiss audiovisual sector. Below is the press release issued by the Switzerland Film Commission.

A round table at the crossroads of culture, economy, and politics.

Entitled “The impact of the audiovisual industry on Switzerland’s economy and image: existing instruments and potential developments”, the round table brought together representatives of economic, cultural and political institutions. It was aimed in particular at institutional partners, national, cantonal, and regional political representatives, economic stakeholders, and national-level associations.

Discussions focused on the economic impacts generated by audiovisual productions in Switzerland, the instruments currently in place to support the sector, and development prospects in a constantly evolving context. The debate was subsequently opened to the public, encouraging broader dialogue on the strategic role of the audiovisual sector for the country. “The audiovisual industry is an economic driver and a powerful vehicle for Switzerland’s image, both domestically and internationally. This round table was an essential opportunity to highlight its impact and to collectively reflect on its future,” emphasised Lisa Barzaghi, co-president of the Switzerland Film Commission.

The Solothurn Film Days, a showcase for Swiss cinema.

For over 50 years, the Solothurn Film Days have represented the reference platform for Swiss cinema, offering unique visibility to the diversity of national creation and a privileged space for reflection for industry professionals. The renewed presence of the Switzerland Film Commission in Solothurn was part of this dynamic of dialogue, networking, and forward-looking reflection. “Being present in Solothurn for the second time marks an important milestone for the SFC. It allows us to strengthen our ties with the regions, engage in dialogue with political and economic decision-makers, and consolidate our role at the Swiss level,” underlined co-president Tristan Albrecht. The objective was clear: to increase the Commission’s visibility nationwide and to establish itself as an indispensable player in the Swiss audiovisual landscape.

Through this participation, the Switzerland Film Commission reaffirms its commitment to coherent, sustainable, and competitive development of the audiovisual industry in Switzerland. By encouraging coordination between the various institutional levels and stakeholders across the territory, the SFC helps to strengthen the country’s attractiveness for audiovisual productions and to enhance their economic, cultural, and regional impact. It thus continues its efforts to position Switzerland in the long term as a strong, innovative and recognised audiovisual hub, both nationally and internationally.

In the image, from left, the participants in the round table: Laurent Steiert, co-head of the Film Section of the FOC; Denis Séchaud, founder of MASE Studio and sound engineer; Christian Sommer, MPA Motion Picture Association, national representative Germany; Stefano Rizzi, Director of the Division of Economy of the Canton of Ticino; Katrin Renz, producer, Tellfilm Zurich; Tristan Albrecht, co-president of the Switzerland Film Commission; Sabine Kollbrunner, SECO, co-head of the Regional and Spatial Planning Policy Division; Monika Schärer, moderator.