Praesens-Film, the oldest Swiss film production company still in existence, is celebrating its centennial. Commercials and commissioned films were the cornerstone of the company, and not just in the early days. This programme presents shorts from the 1920s to the 40s about fashion, the economy, modern architecture, democracy, and tourism. As varied as the themes are, all the films deal with Switzerland’s role in the world. The selection thus offers insight into the country’s historical self-image.
Im Rhythmus der modernen Zeit
Switzerland 1920 / 3'30" / black & white / no dialogue / Doc
Women also move to the rhythm of modern times, participating in all kinds of sports, and thus appearing attractive – even more attractive if they are dressed tastefully for every occasion. This is what the intertitles of this short advertising film from the 1920s proclaim. Proof comes from the fashion show that follows, in which models present dresses by Grieder and shoes by Bally. A glimpse into 1920s gender roles.
Die neue Wohnung
Hans Richter / Switzerland 1930 / 20' / black & white / no dialogue / Doc/Exp
Hans Richter's experimental short film for the first Swiss Housing Exhibition in Basel in 1930 shows a couple moving into their modern flat. Using innovative camera techniques and surrealistic elements, the film highlights the challenges and joys of the modern living space compared to traditional forms of housing. Emphasizing the functional and aesthetic aspects of 1930s architecture, the work reflects the modernist movement that shaped everyday life.
Wo ein Wille ist. Die Schweiz in der Weltwirtschaft
Robert Chessex / Switzerland 1932 / 6'50" / black & white / German / Doc
Today's translation of this film's message might be «Buy Swiss!» Financed by the Swiss Office for the Promotion of Commerce (OSEC) and supported by organisations that promoted the sale of Swiss products in Switzerland, the film targeted a local audience. The aim was to counter the losses of the export business by selling Swiss products domestically. One of the first sound films made in Switzerland.
Ein Märchen unserer Zeit
Max Frikart / Switzerland 1943 / 8' / black & white / German / Doc
Solid, wrinkle-free, and mothproof: this is how Swiss textiles are presented in this typical sponsored film. The short offers an insight into the history of the domestic textile industry, with viscose taking centre stage. The animated part of the film was made by Julius Pinschewer, who emigrated to Switzerland in 1933 and was only allowed to work in animation in order prevent competition with the domestic film industry.
Winter Holidays in Switzerland
Switzerland 1946 / 13' / black & white / English / Doc
Commissioned by Switzerland's tourism agency, the film was intended to boost international tourism after the war. It aims to attract visitors with a variety of winter sports in the Swiss mountains. To quote the film's only intertitle: «Who, in winter, is not seized with a longing to leave the cold, foggy plains for the sunny heights? Switzerland, with her magnificent mountain scenery, offers to old and young sun, snow and ice, recreation and a new lust for life.»
Demokratie in Gefahr / Démocratie en danger
Kurt Früh / Switzerland 1949 / 13' / Digibeta PAL / black & white / German / Fic
In a nightmare, Jakob Rüegg (Schaggi Streuli) wakes up in a dictatorship. His freedoms are severely restricted: there is only one political party, the media are censored, and citizens live in constant fear of surveillance and denunciation. The film was commissioned by the Federal Department of Home Affairs and the city and canton of Zurich to warn the population of the dangers of totalitarian regimes and promote the values of democracy. Unfortunately, the theme is all too relevant again today.
