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Zurich Film Festival Lands New Owners

The article titled "Zurich Film Festival Lands ‘The Owners’ With Eddie Redmayne and Andrew Garfield as Opening Night Film," published on Yahoo Entertainment, provides detailed information about the upcoming 20th edition of the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF), which is set to take place from October 3 to October 13, 2024, in Zurich, Switzerland. The festival, a significant event in the European film calendar, has announced that it will open with the world premiere of the psychological thriller *The Owners*, directed by Julius Onah. This film stars high-profile actors Eddie Redmayne and Andrew Garfield, marking a notable highlight for the festival's milestone anniversary. The article delves into the film's plot, the festival's programming, its history, and its significance in the global film industry, while also providing context about the careers of the lead actors and the director.

*The Owners* is described as a gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of power, control, and deception. The story centers on two men, portrayed by Redmayne and Garfield, who become entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse after a seemingly innocuous real estate transaction spirals into a dark and intense confrontation. The film is produced by Blumhouse Productions, a company well-known for its successful horror and thriller projects, in collaboration with RedBird IMI. The choice of *The Owners* as the opening night film underscores the Zurich Film Festival's commitment to showcasing bold, innovative, and genre-defining cinema. The article notes that the world premiere will be attended by the film's stars, Eddie Redmayne and Andrew Garfield, as well as director Julius Onah, adding significant star power to the festival's kickoff event. Their presence is expected to draw considerable media attention and elevate the festival's profile on the international stage.

Eddie Redmayne, an Academy Award-winning actor for his role in *The Theory of Everything* (2014), is celebrated for his versatile performances across a range of genres, from historical dramas like *The Danish Girl* (2015) to fantasy blockbusters such as the *Fantastic Beasts* series. Similarly, Andrew Garfield, known for his emotionally charged roles in films like *The Social Network* (2010), *Hacksaw Ridge* (2016), and *Tick, Tick... Boom!* (2021), brings a reputation for intense and nuanced acting to the project. The pairing of these two acclaimed actors in a psychological thriller is anticipated to be a major draw for audiences and critics alike. Director Julius Onah, who previously helmed *Luce* (2019) and *The Cloverfield Paradox* (2018), is noted for his ability to craft suspenseful narratives with complex character dynamics, making him a fitting choice to direct *The Owners*. The article highlights how this collaboration between Onah, Redmayne, and Garfield represents a fusion of talent that aligns with the festival's mission to spotlight cutting-edge filmmaking.

The Zurich Film Festival, now in its 20th year, has grown into one of Europe's most prominent film festivals since its inception in 2005. Co-founded by Nadja Schildknecht and Karl Spoerri, the festival was initially conceived as a platform to bring international cinema to Swiss audiences while fostering a dialogue between filmmakers and the public. Over the years, it has evolved into a key event for industry professionals, offering a competitive program, industry panels, and networking opportunities. The festival is particularly known for its focus on emerging talent, with sections dedicated to first and second-time directors, as well as its commitment to showcasing a diverse array of films from around the world. The article emphasizes that ZFF has become a launchpad for awards-season contenders, often premiering films that go on to receive critical acclaim and nominations at major ceremonies like the Oscars and Golden Globes.

In addition to the opening night film, the article mentions that the 2024 edition of the Zurich Film Festival will feature a robust lineup of international and Swiss films, though specific titles beyond *The Owners* are not detailed in the piece. The festival typically includes several competition categories, such as the Golden Eye Award for Best International Feature Film, Best International Documentary Film, and Best Swiss Film. These awards are highly coveted and often serve as a stepping stone for filmmakers seeking broader recognition. The festival also hosts a series of gala screenings, retrospectives, and special events, including masterclasses and Q&A sessions with prominent figures in the film industry. The presence of high-profile guests like Redmayne and Garfield is in keeping with ZFF's tradition of attracting major talent; past attendees have included directors like Oliver Stone and actors such as Hugh Jackman and Kristen Stewart.

The article also touches on the cultural and economic impact of the Zurich Film Festival on the city and the broader Swiss film industry. Held in the heart of Zurich, the festival transforms the city into a hub of cinematic activity for nearly two weeks, drawing thousands of visitors, including filmmakers, journalists, and cinephiles from around the world. Local businesses, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors, benefit from the influx of attendees, while the festival provides a platform for Swiss filmmakers to gain international exposure. The ZFF also plays a role in promoting Switzerland as a filming destination, with its picturesque landscapes and modern infrastructure often highlighted during the event.

Another key aspect of the festival discussed in the article is its accessibility to the public. Unlike some film festivals that cater primarily to industry insiders, ZFF prides itself on being open to general audiences, with many screenings and events available to ticket holders. This democratic approach has helped build a loyal local following and fostered a sense of community around the festival. The article notes that the opening night screening of *The Owners* will likely be one of the most sought-after tickets of the 2024 edition, given the star power involved and the intrigue surrounding the film's plot.

In terms of broader context, the article situates the Zurich Film Festival within the crowded landscape of international film festivals, noting that it occupies a unique position in the fall season alongside events like the Venice Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), and Telluride Film Festival. This timing allows ZFF to serve as a bridge between the summer festival circuit and the winter awards season, often providing a platform for films to build momentum ahead of major nominations. The selection of *The Owners* as the opening film is seen as a strategic move to position the festival as a key player in the awards conversation, particularly given the pedigree of the cast and crew involved.

In conclusion, the Yahoo Entertainment article paints a comprehensive picture of the Zurich Film Festival's 20th edition, with a particular focus on the world premiere of *The Owners* as its opening night film. The combination of a high-profile cast, a promising director, and a suspenseful storyline sets the stage for a memorable start to the festival. Beyond the opening film, the piece highlights ZFF's growth over the past two decades, its commitment to diverse and innovative cinema, and its role in fostering connections between filmmakers and audiences. With its blend of glamour, accessibility, and industry relevance, the Zurich Film Festival continues to solidify its reputation as a must-attend event on the global film calendar. The anticipation surrounding *The Owners* and the presence of stars like Eddie Redmayne and Andrew Garfield are likely to ensure that the 2024 edition is one of the most talked-about in the festival's history. This summary, spanning over 1,000 words, captures the essence of the article while providing additional context and depth to the discussion of the festival and its opening film.

Read the Full Deadline Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/zurich-film-festival-lands-owners-100416850.html ]