Switzerland steps into the limelight at the 2025 Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) and the Animation Production Days (APD). The event showcases the Swiss animation industry’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and linguistic diversity. Daniel Häne of the Swiss Consulate General in Stuttgart highlights this as a platform to strengthen Switzerland’s relations with Germany, particularly Baden-Württemberg.

(ITFS) Stop-motion film, SAUVAGES by director Claude Barras takes center stage as he delves into puppet animation and sustainable production during his masterclass on May 7. An exhibition featuring puppets and sets from the acclaimed film will be on display at the Festival Centre.

A special feature at the event is an in-person discussion with Maja Gehrig, one of Switzerland’s leading animation filmmakers. Discover how a lemon squeezer sparked her journey into animation and how she pushes her artistic boundaries by experimenting with various styles and techniques. Her film AVERAGE HAPPINESS, winner of the Swiss Film Award for Best Animation in 2020, will also be discussed. The event also highlights the significant contributions of female animators in the industry through a special programme: SWISS WOMEN IN ANIMATION.

Innovation at its best is showcased in the Making of Swiss Projects, where artists Michael Frei and Simon de Diesbach exhibit their current work. Frei inspires attendees with his insights into the creative transformation from a linear format to interactive gaming while de Diesbach investigates the conversion of animated content into multisensory spatial experience. These sessions aim to inspire and underline the industry’s experimental spirit and continuous evolution.

Spotlight on Swiss Projects at the APD

An interesting lineup of Swiss projects will be showcased at the APD. Look forward to engaging presentations on animated documentaries like PAPIERSCHLOSS by Luise Hüsler and producer Frances McStea from Asako Film, children’s animated series CACA BOUDIN by Clémence Pun of Hélium Films and Claude Barras and several others. These presentations promise to spotlight the breadth and depth of talent and diversity in the Swiss animation industry, a sneak-peek of which you can catch in this trailer.

With its commitment to co-production, Switzerland marks a notable presence at both the APD and the festival. The prestigious Animation Department at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts also gets a shoutout for its superior artistic and technical contribution.

The Power of International Collaboration and Economic Prospects

Switzerland values its partnership with Europe immensely. Reflecting this, the Valais Film Commission will be participating in a discussion panel on international co-production opportunities. Studio 13, a production studio set up during the Covid-19 pandemic, underscores the importance of such alliances.

Emphasizing on Industry Voices and Local Stakeholders

The Swiss animation scene reflects a mix of experienced professionals and budding talent. Marcel Müller of the promotion agency SWISS FILMS underlines this diversity, encompassing hand-drawn and 2D/3D computer animation to puppet animation and groundbreaking game design. His colleague Sylvain Vaucher brings attention to Swiss women animators who will be celebrated in the SWISS WOMEN IN ANIMATION program.

Concluding Remarks and Future Prospects

Sustainability, advanced technology, and international collaboration are evidently integral to the Swiss film industry. The impressive Swiss presence at ITFS 2025 offers a glimpse into the thoughtful and innovative process that goes into the conception, production, and distribution of animated films in Switzerland.