SWISS
SCIENCE FILM ACADEMY
Program 2026
Scientists-as-Filmmakers
"INVISIBLE EFFORT"
SWITZERLAND 2026, 4 min, English
Zurich (Filmpodium Cinema)
Friday 23 October 17:30
SCIENTISTS-AS-FILMMAKERS
Fransiska Bossuyt
ETH Zurich
Loughborough University
Caroline Heimhofer
Balgrist University Hospital
Irina Lerch
Balgrist University Hospital
Samuel Dutler
Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences
Aufstand AG
Kevin Mauchle
Aufstand AG
Sue Bertschy
Dr. Bertschy Beratungen
MENTOR
Albert Blanch
STORY
At first glance, we move the same. Look closer, and a hidden world begins to emerge.
"URBAN HEAT: GREENER CITIES - COOLER FUTURES"
SWITZERLAND 2026, 5 min, Swiss German with English subtitles
Zurich (Filmpodium Cinema)
Friday 23 October 17:30
Basel (Stadtkino Cinema)
Saturday 24 October, 17:00
SCIENTISTS-AS-FILMMAKERS
Minea Mäder
University of Bern
Barbara Mühlemann
ETH Zurich
Leandra Stengele
University of Bern
Jeanne Droux
University of Zurich
ETH Zurich
Gladwin Suryatin Alim
University of Basel
MENTOR
Barbara Gollwitzer
Plan Biodivers GmbH
STORY
As climate change intensifies, temperatures in cities are increasing. We took to the streets of Zürich during a record-breaking June heatwave, to explore how both locals and the city are mitigating the heat and shaping a more resilient, liveable city.
"ENOUGH"
SWITZERLAND 2026, 3 min, English
Zurich (Filmpodium Cinema)
Friday 23 October 17:30
SCIENTISTS-AS-FILMMAKERS
Iris Nogueroles Langa
ETH Zurich
Ivan Novotny
ETH Zurich
Julie Doelker
EAWAG
Samuel Hepner
University of Bern
MENTOR
Daniel Harisberger
Team Tumult
STORY
Setting personal goals and tracking your progress can be motivating and rewarding. But when you focus too much on a few metrics and continually raise the bar, you risk losing sight of the bigger picture and obscure broader aspects of your well-being.
"METACOGNITION LABS"
SWITZERLAND 2026, 4 min, English
Zurich (Filmpodium Cinema)
Friday 23 October 17:30
Basel (Stadtkino Cinema)
Saturday 24 October, 17:00
TICKETS
SCIENTISTS-AS-FILMMAKERS
Seraina Herzig
University of Basel
Sophia Mast
ETH Zurich
Chiara Scarampi
University of Geneva
Beatrice Tarapoanca
University of Zurich
MENTOR
Frederic Siegel
Team Tumult
STORY
Welcome to Metacognition Labs. You will take part in a study about something very ordinary; remembering to do something in the future.
"BEAUTY, EXTRAVAGANZA & KALOKAGATHIA"
SWITZERLAND 2026, 4 min, English
Zurich (Filmpodium Cinema)
Friday 23 October 17:30
Basel (Stadtkino Cinema)
Saturday 24 October, 17:00
TICKETS
SCIENTISTS-AS-FILMMAKERS
Janine Jakob
University of Basel
Timur Kharisov
University of Basel
MENTOR
Geena Gasser
STORY
This documentary provides an insight on Early Modern women’s fashion & its connection with the ancient Greek ideal Kalokagathia, that unites strength, beauty & a virtuous character within a person. It presents exquisite historical clothing, jewellery, accessories & lace pattern prints especially from public & private Swiss collections, while emphasizing nature as a source of inspiration.
"BREAK THE CYCLE"
SWITZERLAND 2026, 4 min, English
Zurich (Filmpodium Cinema)
Friday 23 October 17:30
Basel (Stadtkino Cinema)
Saturday 24 October, 17:00
TICKETS
SCIENTISTS-AS-FILMMAKERS
Désirée F. Schmid
Eawag
University of Geneva
Corinne Othenin-Girard
University of Basel
MENTORS
Hadis Abbaspour
Mahya Eslami
Hosein Abbaspour
CodyMind
STORY
Despite knowing that most people care about nature, a young woman struggles to understand why the world around her suggests otherwise. Inspired by the psychological phenomenon of pluralistic ignorance, the film reveals how caring individuals' invisible actions are easily overlooked, creating a false perception of indifference. It is a story about perception, hope, and the power of one small act to break the cycle.
"BRIDGING"
SWITZERLAND 2026, 4 min, English
Zurich (Filmpodium Cinema)
Friday 23 October 17:30
Basel (Stadtkino Cinema)
Saturday 24 October, 17:00
TICKETS
SCIENTISTS-AS-FILMMAKERS
Danny Ward
University of Basel
Adwait Deshpande
Max-Planck-Institut
Tim Geiges
WSL
MENTOR
Patrizia
NZZ
STORY
Convinced they have solved a complex problem, a scientist realizes their breakthrough is still missing a crucial element. Stepping into the real world, they are guided toward unexpected practice partners by a hidden figure equipped with unique tools and perspectives. This mysterious guide not only bridges different worlds, but actively contributes the vital final piece to solve the puzzle.
"BEYOND IMAGES"
ITALY 2026, 5 min, Italian with English subtitles
Zurich (Filmpodium Cinema)
Friday 23 October 17:30
SCIENTISTS-AS-FILMMAKERS
Federico Frau
Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori of Pavia
Italy
STORY
Psychosis affects over 25 million people worldwide, yet many of its challenges remain unseen. Through the perspective of people living with psychosis, this short film describes “concretism”, a language difficulty affecting 80% of individuals with the condition, revealing the hidden barriers it can create in everyday communication.
"NUCLEAR MEMORIES"
ITALY 2025, 8 min, Italian with English subtitles
Zurich (Filmpodium Cinema)
Friday 23 October 17:30
SCIENTISTS-AS-FILMMAKERS
Ana Catarina CABRAL VALE da CUNHA
University of Turin
Adna CAMDZIC
University of Turin
Elena DEL COL
University of Turin
Matteo SARTINI
University of Turin
STORY
Angelo and Antonio spent their working lives at the Caorso nuclear power plant. With Angelo Giostri and Antonio Saraconi.