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In a significant development for the Swiss film industry, the Zurich Film Festival has announced that it will present the prestigious Golden Eye Award to director Petra Volpe for her critically acclaimed film Late Shift. This recognition comes as the film is shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, reflecting its substantial impact both nationally and internationally.
The award ceremony will coincide with a special screening of Late Shift at Soho House in Los Angeles, organized in collaboration with the U.S. distributor, Music Box Films. Volpe will be present to accept the award, marking a proud moment in her career.
About Late Shift and its impact
Late Shift stars Leonie Benesch in the role of Floria, a dedicated nurse working in an understaffed hospital environment. The film poignantly captures her struggles during a demanding night shift, showcasing the realities faced by healthcare professionals today. With its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, the film has also been showcased at several notable festivals, including Locarno and Camerimage.
In Switzerland, Late Shift achieved remarkable success, drawing over 200,000 viewers and becoming the highest-grossing domestic film of the year. Its release sparked a national conversation about the working conditions in the healthcare sector, highlighting the challenges that nurses endure while also honoring their commitment to patient care.
Recognition from the Zurich Film Festival
Christian Jungen, the CEO of the Zurich Film Festival, praised Volpe’s work, stating, “Petra Volpe has once again succeeded with Late Shift in creating a socially realist auteur film that is firmly rooted in the present.” He emphasized the film’s role in shedding light on the precarious nature of nursing work while paying tribute to the tireless dedication of healthcare workers.
This award not only celebrates Volpe’s artistic achievements but also acknowledges the film’s contribution to important social discourse regarding healthcare practices. The recognition of Late Shift further cements Volpe’s reputation as a significant voice in contemporary cinema.
Volpe’s journey in film
Petra Volpe is no stranger to acclaim within the film community. Her debut feature film, Dreamland, premiered at the Zurich Film Festival in 2013, setting the stage for her future endeavors. Following this, her 2017 film, The Divine Order, gained international recognition and was selected as Switzerland’s official submission for the Academy Awards, further establishing her as a key figure in Swiss cinema.
Future projects and aspirations
Looking ahead, Volpe’s upcoming film, Frank & Louis, represents her first foray into English-language filmmaking and is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. This transition marks an exciting chapter in her career as she aims to expand her storytelling reach and connect with a broader audience.
Reflecting on her journey, Volpe expressed her gratitude towards the Zurich Film Festival, noting, “It is wonderful to see how the festival has evolved, and I would like to sincerely thank Christian Jungen and the entire team for the award as well as for their support during the Oscar campaign.” Her optimism for the future is palpable as she emphasizes the potential for Swiss cinema to make a global impact.
As the Golden Eye Award approaches, the film community and audiences alike look forward to celebrating Volpe’s talents and the powerful narrative presented in Late Shift. The film not only entertains but also serves as a catalyst for important discussions about the vital role of healthcare workers in society.