FIRST PREVIEWS – 31st GIFF: A NEW DECADE BEGINS

The Geneva International Film Festival (GIFF – October 31 to November 9) unveils a first selection of highlights from its upcoming edition. Faithful to its mission of exploring audiovisual creation, the GIFF is proud to announce an exceptional encounter with producer Nathalie Nath, a pioneering figure of Swiss television; a multidisciplinary tribute to Quebec filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée (1963–2021), a master of emotional storytelling; as well as two major immersive experiences that put interactivity front and center. Each year, the GIFF celebrates audiovisual arts in all their formats — films, series, and immersive experiences — welcoming 35,000 festivalgoers (GIFF 2024) over ten days.

With its singular approach, the Festival has established itself as a major European event. A pioneering and inventive spirit already runs through these first announcements, promising a cascade of discoveries.

NATHALIE NATH — A PIONEER OF SWISS TELEVISION

Among this year’s unmissable events is a special encounter with Nathalie Nath, visionary producer and 2025 Guest of Honour in the Tales of Swiss Innovation section. Launched in 2021, this program has previously honored Sarah Kenderdine (2024), Marguerite Kudelski (2023), OIL Productions (2022), and Sabine Süsstrunk (2021).

A producer at TSR, Nathalie Nath left a lasting mark on Swiss broadcasting. Between 1965 and 1971, she developed bold interactive formats for young audiences — including the scandalous Canal 18/25, a live show where young people were invited to speak freely.

Exclusive selections and a public talk with Nathalie Nath, moderated by Roxane Gray (UNIL) and Sophie Meyer (RTS), will take place on Sunday, November 2.

JEAN-MARC VALLÉE — MASTER OF EMOTION

This year, the POP TV program pays tribute to Jean-Marc Vallée (1963–2021), a virtuoso Quebec filmmaker whose cinematic and serial work blends emotional depth with visual elegance.

In a European premiere, the GIFF presents MIXTAPE, an exceptional immersive sound installation created by PHI (Montreal) with the support of Vallée’s close circle.

The tribute continues with a curated selection of his works, shaped by the energy of C.R.A.Z.Y., the strength of Dallas Buyers Club, and the singular atmospheres of the series Big Little Lies and Sharp Objects.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES — BETWEEN NATURE AND THE FUTURE

The GIFF also unveils two new works from its flagship Virtual territories program, dedicated to immersive storytelling. Both playful and reflective, they repurpose mobile phones to project audiences into possible futures.

FUTURE BOTANICA

Marcel van Brakel, Hazal Ertürkan | 2024 | NL | 25’ | Immersive installation | Swiss Premiere

With your phone, become a gardener of the future and grow a digital flora that enchants reality. A poetic invitation to co-create the nature of tomorrow.

ANCESTORS

Steye Hallema | 2024 | NL | 70’ | Immersive performance | Swiss Premiere

With over 24 participants, project yourselves together into the future. Guided by an immersive setup, you’ll meet your own descendants while journeying through six generations. What will humanity look like?

The full program will be revealed on October 9, 2025.