Creators' Room

Alte Kaserne Winterthur, Technikumstrasse 8

09:30–10:00

Welcome with coffee and pastries

Workshop: Short Film Dramaturgy

Workshop facilitator: Elie Grappe, filmmaker (CH)

Space is limited. To register, email industry@kurzfilmtage.ch with «Workshop Short Film Dramaturgy» in the subject line.

blue Cinema Maxx 5, Kesselhaus Winterthur

Truth or Data – Film programme and panel

A programme about machines that learn, dream, and feel, and about us watching them do so. Between artificial creativity and real exploitation, digital intimacy and algorithmic control, these films show how deeply technology is ingrained in our lives. Poetic, political, and critical, the programme invites us to confront a future that has already begun. In recent years, we have seen an increasing interest in and availability of AI in the visual field. The rapidly growing number of productions testifies to the influence of AI on film production – whether in artistic, commercial, or everyday practice. While the public debate tends to focus on the broader social implications of AI (without conclusive results so far), the panel after the screening will centre on the generative aspect. The conversation will explore artistic, commercial, and scientific approaches to the aesthetic aspects of AI. What is AI’s potential for creating moving images? What does the technology add, what does it change, what does it replace? What does it make us believe, and what does it make us forget? 

Speakers: Jeppe Lange, filmmaker (DK); Martin Sutter, digital content creator (CH); tba

Please make sure to reserve your ticket for the event via your festival pass. Reservations can be made starting the day before.

blue Cinema Maxx 2, Kesselhaus Winterthur

Pitching Session: P.AiR.S Project Development Residency

Three selected ideas for Swiss short film projects will be presented in a pitching session. An expert jury will select the most convincing project for a seven-week Project Development Residency in Sigriswil, sponsored by the P.AiR.S. Artist Residence. In addition to providing time and space to focus on the project, the residency also includes participation in the Perspectives Lab at the 61st Solothurn Film Festival, which offers networking opportunities with industry experts and a chance to win additional funding awards. The winner will be announced the same evening during the Industry Awards Ceremony.

Moderator: Norma Giannetta, Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur (CH)

Participating projects: tba

Jury: Corinna Dästner, producer, DokLab (CH); Morgane Frund, Head of Industry, Solothurner Filmtage (CH); Stina Werenfels, filmmaker (CH)

Pitching Session: European Short Pitch

At a pitching event in cooperation with European Short Pitch, three Swiss projects in development face an international jury of industry experts, who will select one project to take part in the 2026 edition of European Short Pitch. The winner will benefit from a scriptwriting workshop, production and pitching training, mentoring sessions, and participation in the Coproduction Forum. The winner will be announced the same evening during the Industry Awards Ceremony.

Moderator: Norma Giannetta, Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur (CH); Olga Lamontanara, European Short Pitch (CH)

Participating projects: tba

Jury: Lucie Detrain, Quinzaine des Cinéastes (FR); Tenzin Roder, Migros Kulturprozent (CH); Ben Thompson, Tribeca Film Festival (US)

Master Class – Person in Focus: Isadora Neves Marques

Portuguese artist, filmmaker, and author Isadora Neves Marques, who is this year’s Person in Focus, will talk about her work in a moderated Master Class. In her works, Marques creates visions of the present and future that blend science fiction, biopolitics, and intimacy. Her shorts have screened at international festivals including Cannes, Toronto, the New York Film Festival, Locarno, and IndieLisboa. 

Speaker: Isadora Neves Marques, filmmaker (PT)

Industry Conversation: Reasons to Buy a Film

At this panel, selected short film directors are invited to present their current projects to professionals who work in sales, acquisitions, and distribution. Prominent industry representatives watch the first three minutes of the films, assess their market potential, and offer feedback. The event simulates a realistic situation in the film industry, demonstrating how professionals evaluate films submitted to them.

Experts: Simone Bardoni, Lights On (IT); Zoé Rossion, Salaud Morisset (FR); Eva Schweizer, SRF Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (CH)

Museum Schaffen, Lagerplatz 9

Industry Awards Ceremony and Reception

The Industry Awards Ceremony marks the festive conclusion of the Industry Events. The Award for the Best Swiss School Film, the Postproduction Award, the invitation to participate in the European Short Pitch 2026, and the P.AiR.S Project Development Residency 2026 will be presented.