Federal Councillor Alain Berset to open Nominations Night of the 2013 Swiss Film Award
Bern, 12.12.2012 - The Swiss Minister of Home Affairs, Alain Berset, is set to attend “Nominations Night” on 30 January 2013. It is at this ceremony, which takes place during the Solothurn Film Festival, that the Federal Office of Culture will officially announce the contenders for the 2013 Swiss Film Award. The actual prize-giving ceremony will be held on 23 March 2013 in the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices, Geneva. The shortlist of nominees is compiled by a specially appointed jury from recommendations submitted by the 280 members of the Swiss Film Academy. This year a total of 123 films have been entered into competition.
On 30 January 2013, Federal Councillor Alain Berset will deliver the opening address at the 2013 Swiss Film Award Nominations Night. The venue for this official ceremony, which takes place during the Solothurn Film Festival, will be the Solothurn concert hall and the evening will be hosted by actor Robin Harsch from Geneva. The draft of the new “Quartz” trophy will also be unveiled during the ceremony.
Nominations
The Swiss Film Award is divided into ten categories: “Best Fiction Film”; “Best Documentary Film”; “Best Short Film”; “Best Animation Film”; “Best Screenplay”; “Best Actress”; “Best Actor”; “Best Performance in a Supporting Role”; “Best Film Score”; and “Best Cinematography”. There is a total of 123 films competing for the 2013 Swiss Film Award. There are 18 in the Best Fiction Film category, 32 in the Best Documentary Film category, 43 in the Best Short Film category, and 31 in the Best Animation Film category. All nominees will receive a share of the prize money, which this year amounts to CHF 440,000.
Voting system
The Federal Department of Home Affairs appoints a jury made up of Swiss Film Academy members to compile a shortlist of nominees based on recommendations submitted by the 280 members of the Swiss Film Academy. The finalists are then announced at an official ceremony, Nominations Night, on 30 January 2013. All voting members of the Swiss Film Academy then vote for their preferred candidate in each of the award categories.
Additional information
The venue for the 16th Swiss Film Award will be the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices in Geneva. This gala ceremony, which officially celebrates the work of the Swiss film industry, is organised by the Federal Office of Culture, in partnership with SRG SSR, the Association “Quartz” Genève Zürich, SWISS FILMS, the Swiss Film Academy and the Solothurn Film Festival.
Press releases and photos
The nominations for the 2013 Swiss Film Award will be announced in a press release at 9.15 pm on 30 January 2013. The press release will be available on the official website of the Swiss Film Award (www.schweizerfilmpreis.ch) and on the federal online news service (www.news-service.admin.ch). In addition, press photos taken during the Nominations Night ceremony will also be posted on the official website (“Media” section) from 9.30 pm onwards.
Press accreditation (Nominations Night and 2013 Swiss Film Award)
Journalists intending to cover Nominations Night are requested to apply for press accreditation for the Solothurn Film Festival. If you wish to apply for accreditation immediately, please send your request directly to Ursula Pfander (presse@solothurnerfilmtage.ch).
In February 2013 members of the press and media will receive an official invitation to apply for 2013 Swiss Film Award accreditation.
Address for enquiries
Susanne Goldschmid, Deputy Communications Officer, Federal Office of Culture
+41 31 322 92 34, susanne.goldschmid@bak.admin.ch
www.swissfilmaward.ch
Publisher
Federal Office of Cultural Affairs
http://www.bak.admin.ch
