Cinema Attendance Rises Across Switzerland in 2026.

Swiss cinemas are experiencing a strong recovery in 2026, with attendance rising sharply across all regions of the country. According to provisional figures from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), cinema admissions increased by nearly 25% in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2025.

By week 21, cinemas across Switzerland recorded approximately 4.68 million admissions, representing nearly 890,000 more tickets sold than the previous year. The growth reflects renewed audience interest in theatrical releases and a strong lineup of international and regional films.

The most significant increase was observed in French-speaking Switzerland, where cinema attendance surged by 30%. German-speaking regions also saw a solid rise of 19%, while canton Ticino recorded the highest growth at 42%. Despite these regional differences, the FSO confirmed that the overall balance between language regions remains stable.

Several blockbuster releases played a key role in driving audiences back to cinemas. In French-speaking Switzerland, the biographical film Michael, based on the life of Michael Jackson, attracted large crowds. In German-speaking regions, audiences were drawn to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, a new animated adventure featuring Nintendo’s iconic character. Meanwhile, in Ticino, The Devil Wears Prada 2 became a major success, bringing significant numbers of viewers to theatres.

The momentum accelerated in mid-May, when weekly attendance figures rose dramatically. In week 20 alone, more than 360,000 people visited cinemas across Switzerland, compared with fewer than 100,000 during the same period in 2025. Over one weekend, Michael drew around 28,000 viewers in French-speaking regions, while The Devil Wears Prada 2 attracted more than 17,000 cinema-goers.

Industry experts say the recovery could continue in the coming months, supported by a strong slate of upcoming releases. Highly anticipated titles include Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, a cinematic adaptation of the ancient epic, and Dune: Part Three, directed by Denis Villeneuve, expected to release in December.

Analysts believe that if this trend continues, 2026 could mark a turning point for the Swiss cinema industry after years of fluctuating attendance figures.

Amit Dutta Explores Swiss Scholar’s Life and Friendship Through Film

A unique cultural and artistic friendship between Indian filmmaker Amit Dutta and Swiss-based ethnographer and art historian Eberhard Fischer has come to life through a new documentary film exploring history, art, and human connection.

The film, titled Eberhard As Seen By Amit, was recently screened at the Cinéma du Réel festival in Paris. The documentary reflects on Fischer’s life and career while examining deeper themes connected to ethnographic research, colonial history, and India’s artistic traditions.

Eberhard Fischer is widely recognized for his work at the Rietberg Museum in Zurich, where he became known for his contributions to the study of Asian art and culture. Through the documentary, Amit Dutta presents Fischer not only as a scholar but also as a deeply disciplined and reflective individual whose work influenced generations of researchers and artists.

During the special screening in Paris, Fischer emotionally introduced Amit Dutta as an independent filmmaker living in the Himalayan region of northern India. He described Dutta as a poetic and deeply thoughtful artist who prefers a quiet life away from the international spotlight.

According to emails shared during the event, Dutta explained that he creates films to understand and preserve lives that inspire him. He wrote that Fischer represented a life built on education, patience, discipline, and intense intellectual focus.

Their artistic collaboration dates back many years. Dutta previously worked with Fischer on the 2010 film Nainsukh, which explored the life and work of the celebrated 18th-century Indian miniature painter.

The documentary also highlights ongoing conversations surrounding colonial-era ethnographic research and the challenge of presenting non-Western cultures through fair and respectful perspectives. By focusing on friendship and shared curiosity, the film attempts to bridge cultures through art and cinema.

Film critics and cultural observers have praised the project for its quiet storytelling style and thoughtful exploration of identity, history, and artistic legacy.

Isabella Rossellini to Receive Excellence Award at Locarno Film Festival

Isabella Rossellini will receive the Excellence Award at the upcoming Locarno Film Festival, celebrating her long-standing contribution to cinema, television, and fashion.

The award will be presented on August 5 during the opening night of the festival’s 79th edition, held on the iconic Piazza Grande in Locarno, Switzerland.

Rossellini, the daughter of Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman and Italian filmmaker Roberto Rossellini, built her career first as a model before becoming an internationally recognised film and television actor. She is widely known for her role as Dorothy Vallens in David Lynch’s Blue Velvet (1986).

Over the decades, she has collaborated with acclaimed directors such as Robert Zemeckis and the Taviani brothers, building a reputation as one of contemporary cinema’s most distinctive performers.

More recently, she appeared in La Chimera (2023) by Alice Rohrwacher and Conclave (2024) by Edward Berger, a performance that earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Beyond acting, Rossellini is also deeply involved in environmental and animal studies. She holds a Master’s degree in animal behaviour and conservation from Hunter College in New York and has created several short film projects, including the acclaimed series Green Porno (2008–2009), which humorously explores animal mating behaviours.

Festival artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro described her as a “visionary and incomparable performer” whose work has left a lasting impact on global cinema.

The 79th Locarno Film Festival will run from August 5 to 15, bringing international filmmakers, actors, and audiences together in Switzerland.

Darren Aronofsky to Receive Leopard of Honour at Locarno.

American filmmaker Darren Aronofsky will receive the prestigious Leopard of Honour (Pardo d’Onore) at the Locarno Film Festival during its 79th edition in Locarno. The award ceremony will take place on August 14 at the iconic Piazza Grande.

Aronofsky is widely recognized for his distinctive filmmaking style and critically acclaimed works. His recent film The Whale, starring Brendan Fraser, gained global attention after premiering at the Venice Film Festival in 2022.

Earlier in his career, Aronofsky received an Academy Award nomination for his psychological thriller Black Swan. He also directed The Wrestler, which earned the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 2008, further cementing his reputation in international cinema.

His diverse filmography includes projects such as Noah, starring Russell Crowe, and the experimental film Mother!, which sparked mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike.

Aronofsky began his journey with his debut film Pi in 1996, winning the Best Director award at the Sundance Film Festival in 1998. Over the years, he has built a reputation for pushing creative boundaries and exploring complex themes such as faith, obsession, and human desire.

According to Giona A. Nazzaro, Aronofsky’s work consistently challenges cinematic conventions and avoids conforming to mainstream expectations. The festival described his films as provocative, spiritual, and formally daring.

As part of the 2026 festival program, Aronofsky’s films The Fountain (2006) and Mother! will be screened, celebrating his contribution to modern cinema.

The Leopard of Honour, supported by Manor since 2017, has previously been awarded to renowned filmmakers including Jane Campion and Alexander Payne.