Synopsis Beutset: A parasite contaminates all the drinking water in Dakar. A private pharmaceutical laboratory starts developing tablets to neutralize it. A poor young man who can’t afford the drugs notices that his mind is much clearer without them.

Jury members Émilie Poirier (Festival du Nouveau Cinéma, Canada), Pierre-Yves Walder (Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival, Switzerland) and Stefano Knuchel (Locarno Film Festival, Switzerland) were impressed by the film’s “use of science fiction and genre film elements, its focus on real-life contemporary issues, its impressive dance moments and its powerful soundtrack”. The prize, worth CHF 5,000, is donated by SRG SSR.

The Beutset diploma film was co-produced by Amka Films Production (Producer: Rhean Plangg).

The seven-week stay in the Paradiesli artists’ residence and cultural center, offered by “P.AiR.S - Paradiesli. Artists in Residence. Sigriswil” was awarded to our alumnus Youssef Youssef for a new film project.

The jury, made up of Ruth Baettig, Alice Gachot and Reta Guetg, sent the filmmaker to “a little paradise, where he can continue his journey and explore his filmic expression”. They were impressed by Youssef Mut’s courage and the urgency with which he recounts a struggle for self-acceptance.

Last but not least, our alumnus Bachelor and teacher in the Film Department, Basil Da Cunha wins Best Swiss Film for his film 2720 (CH/PT, 2023, 24’).

Synopsis 2720: Jyzone has just been released from prison. Now that he’s found a new job, the encounters he makes along the way threaten to make him late for his first day. In a choreographic and poetic portrait drawn by a skilful camera, Basil Da Cunha explores the violent neighborhood of Reboleira in Lisbon, with the participation of its inhabitants.