Slovak Oscar Contender ‘Father’ Triumphs at Zurich Film Festival

Father Wins Top Prize at Zurich Film Festival 2025.The Zurich Film Festival concluded on Saturday, announcing its top winners. Slovak director Tereza Nvotová’s film Father won the Golden Eye for best feature film. The festival’s 21st edition celebrated global cinema.Father is also Slovakia’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars. Its victory marks a significant achievement for Central European filmmaking. The festival’s closing gala was held in Zurich, Switzerland.

Documentary and Special Mentions Highlight Festival Diversity

Moris Freiburghaus won the best documentary competition. His film, I Love You, I Leave You, is the first Swiss documentary to earn this top honor. According to Reuters, the film intimately chronicles his best friend’s year-long struggle with mental health.Special mentions were awarded across categories. Alice Douard’s Des preuves d’amour and Shih-Ching Tsou’s Left-Handed Girl were recognized in the feature film section. The documentary special mentions went to Yrsa Roca Fannberg and Namir Abdel Messeeh.

A Night of Multiple Honors for Films and Filmmakers

Several films received multiple awards. Freiburghaus’s documentary also won the Audience Award. Benjamin Heisenberg’s Der Prank swept the children’s film awards, winning both the jury and audience prizes.The ZFF Critics’ Jury honored Damien Hauser’s Memory of Princess Mumbi. The Film Prize of the Churches of Zurich went to Life After Siham. The variety of winners showcased the festival’s commitment to diverse storytelling.

Key NFL Week 5 Injuries Impact Playoff Contenders

The 2025 Zurich Film Festival celebrated a wide array of international talent. Its winners are now positioned for greater global recognition. The success of Father underscores the event’s role in launching major award season contenders.

Info at your fingertips

What film won best feature at Zurich?

Tereza Nvotová’s *Father* won the Golden Eye for best feature film. The Slovak production is also an Oscar entry for 2026. It premiered earlier at the Venice Film Festival.

Which documentary was a double award winner?

Moris Freiburghaus’s *I Love You, I Leave You* won best documentary and the Audience Award. It is the first Swiss film to win the top documentary prize. The film is a personal story about mental health.

Did any film win more than one award?

Yes, several films were recognized multiple times. *Der Prank* won both ZFF for Kids awards. *I Love You, I Leave You* also secured two major honors.

Who received the Golden Icon Award?

Colin Farrell received the festival’s Golden Icon Award. The award celebrates his distinguished career and contributions to cinema. Other honorees included Benedict Cumberbatch and Claire Foy.

What was a notable special mention?

*Left-Handed Girl* by Shih-Ching Tsou received a special mention. The film is co-written and produced by Sean Baker. It is Taiwan’s official submission for the Oscars.