The Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) is set to honor Swiss director Petra Volpe with its prestigious Golden Eye Award on January 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. This recognition is for her critically acclaimed film Late Shift, which has recently been shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film Oscar. The award will be presented during a For Your Consideration (FYC) screening of the film.
Late Shift has made a significant impact in Switzerland, drawing over 200,000 admissions and solidifying its status as one of the most successful domestic films in recent years. The film stars Leonie Benesch as Floria, a dedicated nurse working in an understaffed hospital ward. Throughout a tense shift, she finds herself in a race against time, highlighting the challenges faced by healthcare professionals.
Recognition and Impact
Christian Jungen, 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 that the film sheds light on the precarious working conditions in the nursing profession while honoring the dedication of healthcare workers. The film has not only captivated audiences but has also sparked national discussions about improving working conditions in the care sector.
The film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and has been showcased at notable events including Locarno, Zurich, Camerimage, and Palm Springs. Its success has contributed to the ongoing dialogue about the importance of support for healthcare workers in Switzerland.
Volpe expressed gratitude for the award and its significance, noting, “Late Shift continues to travel internationally and shows that Swiss cinema can have a global impact.” She reflected on her relationship with the ZFF, having premiered her first feature film there, and thanked Jungen and the festival team for their support during the Oscar campaign, stating, “And when it comes to our chances: you gotta believe!”
Upcoming Projects
In addition to Late Shift, Volpe’s 2017 film The Divine Order was also chosen as Switzerland’s Oscar entry. Her latest project, Frank & Louis, marks her first English-language feature and is set to be screened at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival.
The screening of Late Shift for members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) will take place at Soho House in Los Angeles, further enhancing the film’s visibility in the competitive awards season. With the Golden Eye Award recognition, Volpe’s work continues to resonate, both in Switzerland and on the international stage.
