EWZ Stattkino 15

Now in its 16th year, this innovative film festival was one of the first in Europe to bring live performance to film screenings, predating London’s hugely popular Secret Cinema. The idea is to complement and enhance the programmed films with live multidisciplinary performances which are often thematic or draw on elements of the film’s storyline. Organisers have excelled themselves this year with ever more quirky ideas, such as a perfumer creating smells to accompany Wes Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited, a Mexican chef cooking Mexico’s national dish during a screening of Frida, and a ten pin bowling competition prior to The Big Lebowski. A particular highlight is the Swiss premiere of Adrian Manzano’s Sex, Love and Salsa, which will feature a Q&A with the director and a dance class to a live salsa band. Other films feature poetry and literature readings, and there are several afternoon showings for children, including The Gruffalo. Most films are screened in the original language with German subtitles, though a few are dubbed into German so check the website for details.