The Berlin Bridge: Swiss Filmmakers Find New Paths in English

The recent Venice Production Bridge panel “Beyond Borders: English as the New Language in Swiss Cinema?” brought together some of Switzerland’s most promising directors to discuss the growing trend of shooting films in English. This phenomenon has been gaining momentum, and beneath its surface lies a more nuanced story about the evolution of global filmmaking.

Globalization has created new opportunities for international collaborations by reducing language barriers. The rise of English as a lingua franca has enabled filmmakers from around the world to work together more easily. Films like “Frank & Louis” and “September 5” have been successful examples of this shift, demonstrating that shooting in English can help tap into global markets and attract international talent.

For Swiss directors, shooting in English offers a unique opportunity to reach broader audiences by incorporating an American perspective into their narratives. Tim Fehlbaum’s next project, set in Berlin with both German and English dialogue, is a prime example of this approach. By blending different cultural perspectives, filmmakers can create more marketable products that appeal to diverse audiences.

However, as Petra Volpe’s experience with “Locarno-winning” “Frank & Louis” shows, shooting in English also comes with its own set of challenges. The director had to improve her English skills over an entire year before completing the script and relied heavily on translation services during production. This highlights the difficulties many Swiss filmmakers face when trying to navigate international production.

Denis Rabaglia’s “Butterfly Stroke” took a different approach by featuring large chunks of English dialogue, which added depth and nuance to its narrative. The film’s success demonstrates how blending cultural perspectives can result in unique storytelling experiences. This hybrid approach has become an interesting development in global filmmaking, allowing directors to experiment with new forms of storytelling.

The conversation also touched on the role of technology in facilitating international collaborations. Michael Koch’s experience working with Peter Sarsgaard on “Erosion” showed how having a major American actor can change financing dynamics and open up new opportunities for filmmakers. However, Fehlbaum warns that relying too heavily on AI to translate scripts is not a substitute for quality translation.

As Swiss filmmakers continue to push the boundaries of global production, they are creating a new path forward for international collaborations by embracing English as a common language. This trend raises questions about cultural homogenization and the loss of local perspectives, but Fehlbaum emphasizes that “It has to come from the story.” The success of films like “September 5” is not solely due to their use of English but rather because they have compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

The future of global filmmaking will depend on how directors navigate these complexities and find new ways to tell stories that are both universal and authentic. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s essential for filmmakers to prioritize quality over convenience and remain true to their artistic vision. With innovative and captivating films showcasing their unique perspectives on the world, Swiss filmmakers will continue to cross the Berlin Bridge with confidence.