OPENING CEREMONY: CELEBRATIONS IN LIGHT OF THE 31st GIFF

The Geneva International Film Festival (GIFF – October 31 to November 9) will launch its 31st edition with a major ceremony attended by Federal Councillor Élisabeth Baume-Schneider. The Danish actor Claes Bang will present the Swiss premiere of the highly anticipated L’Inconnu de la Grande Arche (Stéphane Demoustier, 2025, FR, DK), which focuses on the bond between political power and artistic creation. The closing ceremony will reveal the winners on November 8. Three Reflets d’Or (Best Feature Film, Best Series, and Best Immersive Experience), as well as the Future Is Sensible Award -worth CHF 10,000- each will be presented.

OPENING CEREMONY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31

During the opening ceremony, the audience will be transported into a vibrant and pioneering 31st edition, faithful to the Festival’s mission: to explore audiovisual fiction. The event will be attended by Federal Councillor, Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs Élisabeth Baume-Schneider, President of the State Council of the Republic and Canton of Geneva Thierry Apothéloz, Executive council member and Head of the Department of Culture and digital transition at the City of Geneva Joëlle Bertossa and Director of RTS Pascal Crittin. This festive ceremony will be moderated by journalist Valentin Emery.

The screening of L’Inconnu de la Grande Arche (Stéphane Demoustier, 2025, FR, DK) will be introduced by actor Claes Bang, known for his remarkable performances in The Square (2017) and William Tell (2024).

This brilliant film explores the tensions between art, political power and bureaucratic challenges. It recounts the story of architect Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, selected in a competition to design the Grande Arche de La Défense by François Mitterrand.

GIFF FOUNDATION

NEW ARRIVALS

The GIFF is pleased to welcome two new members to its Foundation Board, bringing new momentum to its cultural and institutional roots. The Festival looks forward to celebrating its 31st edition alongside its Board and sharing these highlights of screenings and ceremonies with the public.

Alia Chaker Mangeat – Member of the Grand Council of Geneva

A tax lawyer by training, she has distinguished herself as a politician for her initiatives on access to culture and the promotion of diversity within Geneva’s institutions. She champions a vision of culture as a means for innovation and social cohesion, particularly in a canton known for its international scope. After chairing the culture committee of the Geneva City Council, she has been a member of the Grand Council since June 2023. Alia Chaker Mangeat brings her solid political experience and recognized commitment to culture, particularly in the audiovisual sector.

Anke Beining-Wellhausen – Managing Director and Producer, Contrast Film Zurich and Bern

Renowned specialist in international co-productions and distribution, Anke Beining-Wellhausen trained as a lawyer. After starting her career at Senator Film and Kinowelt, she worked for ten years at the Walt Disney Company in Munich. She then served as Managing Director of Global Screen and Teleclub (now blue), overseeing streaming and channel programming. Since 2024, she has been managing director and producer at Contrast Film. She also sits on the Fiction Committee of the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) and on the board of Focal. Her experience and European networks bring a strong international dimension to GIFF.