Zurich Film Festival Bolsters Global Stature with Powerhouse Appointments to New Board

The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) is making a bold statement on the global stage, announcing the high-profile appointments of two titans of the international film world to its newly formed Board of Trustees. Kathleen Fournier, a revered veteran of the festival circuit, and Nathanaël Karmitz, the influential CEO of French cinema giant mk2, are set to lend their formidable expertise and expansive networks to ZFF, ushering in an exciting era of strategic growth and artistic elevation.

This pivotal move underscores ZFF's unwavering ambition to cement its position as a major player in the international film festival landscape.

The Board of Trustees, a freshly minted strategic body, is specifically designed to provide invaluable guidance on the festival's artistic direction, foster deeper global connections, and ensure ZFF continues to attract the most compelling talent and cinematic works from around the world.

Kathleen Fournier's inclusion is a significant coup.

Known for her transformative tenure as the general director of the Locarno Film Festival, Fournier brings a wealth of unparalleled experience across various prestigious roles. Her illustrious career includes shaping the Cinémathèque suisse and contributing to Visions du Réel, establishing her as a visionary leader with a profound understanding of festival dynamics and artistic curation.

Her appointment is expected to forge stronger ties between ZFF and the broader international festival community, enriching its programming and outreach.

Equally impactful is the addition of Nathanaël Karmitz. As the dynamic CEO of mk2, a powerhouse group encompassing film production, distribution, and exhibition, Karmitz represents the cutting edge of European cinema.

His involvement signals ZFF's commitment to innovation and its desire to engage with the industry's future leaders and creative forces. Karmitz's deep insights into film financing, distribution strategies, and audience engagement will be instrumental in shaping ZFF's long-term strategic vision and expanding its commercial and artistic footprint.

Christian Jungen, ZFF's Artistic Director, expressed immense enthusiasm for these landmark appointments.

"With Kathleen Fournier and Nathanaël Karmitz, we are gaining two exceptional personalities for our new Board of Trustees," Jungen stated. "Their unique perspectives, extensive expertise, and remarkable international networks will be indispensable as we continue to elevate ZFF's standing and artistic relevance on the global stage.

This is a clear signal of our commitment to fostering a vibrant and globally connected festival."

Leonie Grossenbacher, Managing Director of ZFF, echoed Jungen's sentiments, emphasizing the strategic importance of the new board. "The Board of Trustees is a crucial component of our strategic evolution," Grossenbacher noted.

"Kathleen and Nathanaël's insights will be pivotal in guiding our future development, ensuring ZFF remains at the forefront of cinematic innovation and cultural exchange. We are thrilled to welcome them and look forward to their invaluable contributions."

These appointments are not merely additions to a board; they represent a strategic injection of expertise, vision, and influence that promises to propel the Zurich Film Festival to new heights.

As ZFF continues to evolve, the guidance of Fournier and Karmitz will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping its artistic identity, strengthening its global reach, and ensuring its enduring impact on the world of cinema.