Swiss director Petra Volpe will be honored with the Golden Eye Award at the Zurich Film Festival on January 12, 2024, during a special event in Los Angeles. The recognition comes in light of her film Late Shift, which is currently shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Academy Awards.
The award presentation will coincide with a For Your Consideration (FYC) screening of Late Shift, which has resonated well with audiences in Switzerland, drawing over 200,000 admissions since its release. The film, distributed by Music Box in the United States, features Leonie Benesch in the lead role of Floria, a dedicated nurse navigating the challenges of an understaffed hospital.
Success and Social Impact
“Petra Volpe has once again succeeded with Late Shift in creating a socially realist auteur film that is firmly rooted in the present, shedding light on the precarious working conditions in the nursing profession while paying tribute to the dedication of healthcare workers,”
said Christian Jungen, CEO of the Zurich Film Festival. He emphasized the film’s impact in Switzerland, stating that it sparked a national discussion on the need for better working conditions in the healthcare sector.
Volpe’s film debuted at the Berlin International Film Festival and has since been showcased at various prestigious events, including the Locarno Film Festival and the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Its strong performance at the box office makes it one of the most successful local films of recent years.
Recognition and Future Endeavors
Expressing her gratitude for the honor, Volpe remarked, “We are incredibly grateful for this award and for the special recognition it represents. Late Shift continues to travel internationally and shows that Swiss cinema can have a global impact.” She highlighted her personal connection to the Zurich Film Festival, noting that her first feature film premiered there.
Volpe also acknowledged the support she has received from the festival’s team during the Oscar campaign. “And when it comes to our chances: you gotta believe!” she added, reflecting her optimism for the awards season.
Notably, Volpe’s previous film, The Divine Order, was also selected as Switzerland’s entry for the Oscars in 2017. Looking ahead, her latest project, Frank & Louis, an international co-production and her first English-language feature, is set to screen at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
The Los Angeles screening of Late Shift for members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will take place at Soho House, further solidifying the film’s presence in the international film community.
