The Zurich Film Festival is launching the new ZFF Summit Climber programme for its 2022 edition, which is due to take place from 23-26 September. Organised in conjunction with the International Screen Institute, the initiative will enable eight up-and-coming talents to learn how to successfully finance, produce and distribute films. The instructors are Hollywood industry insiders, such as Alana Mayo, president of Orion Pictures; Tom Quinn, CEO of NEON; and Roeg Sutherland, co-CEO of CAA Media Finance.

The training programme will take place during the Zurich Summit, the prestigious boutique conference of the Zurich Film Festival, at the Dolder Grand Hotel. The content has a special focus on film financing and packaging, covering key topics such as preparing a film package, transatlantic financing structures and cooperation requirements. Additionally, the schedule offers participants a unique opportunity to expand their North American and European film networks.

“ZFF has been committed to the next generation of filmmakers since its inception. With the new ZFF Summit Climber programme, we are expanding our commitment to young talent in the business sector,” explains Christian Jungen, artistic director of the Zurich Film Festival. Reta Guetg, head of industry at ZFF, adds that the programme “closes a gap for young talent in the field of distribution and financing. In line with our festival strategy, we are also focusing on the boutique idea here and on our excellent relationships with the North American film market.”

International junior executives with at least two years of professional experience in sales and acquisition can apply via the online form. The programme welcomes applications from all age categories. An internal jury will select the eight participants. The deadline for applications is 15 August 2022, at 10 am CEST.

Further information can be found here.