As instruments of education, promotion, and self-portrayal, commissioned films substantially shaped Switzerland’s image, especially in the first half of the 20th century. Bearing witness to the history of Swiss mentality, the films presented here show how – at the behest of business and political interests – the genre painted a picture of a nation that still sees itself as neutral, while also being thoroughly embedded in global structures.
The screening will be followed by a discussion with Giulia Bernardi, Monika Dommann and Oliver Classen.

Kennet Sie d'Erklärig vo Bern
Switzerland 1984 / 11'31" / DCP / colour / Swiss German / Doc
In November 1984, staff members of Erklärung von Bern (founded in 1968, now known as Public Eye) interview passers-by, asking if they are familiar with the organization’s name, and how interested they are in issues concerning the «Third World».

Die Börse als Barometer der Wirtschaftslage
Hans Richter / Switzerland 1939 / 21'46" / DCP / black & white / German / Doc
A film by Hans Richter commissioned by the Zurich Stock Exchange. The historical narrative unfolds from simple barter systems to colonial trade routes and on to modern stock exchange architecture. This evolution is presented as an organic process here. It is contrasted with images of the daily routine at the exchange – loud, nervous, almost frantic.

Die Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon und ihre Erzeugnisse
Switzerland 1945 / 17'34" / DCP / black & white / German / Doc
An industrial film about Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon (MFO) as a symbol of technological modernity. It showcases production processes and an export-oriented approach. The company is portrayed as a flagship enterprise of an efficient, globally connected Switzerland, tied to the brand promise of quality and innovation.

Probleme des Schweizerfilms
Switzerland 1960 / 23'4" / DCP / colour/black & white / German / Doc
An exemplary utility film and a cultural-political document of its time, portraying Swiss cinema as both an export product and a medium of identity. Film is presented here as a commodity: Switzerland opens its doors to films from around the world while simultaneously presenting itself as a producer of technically solid and factually precise films.