As part of its mission to promote the region and support the local economy, the Valais Film Commission (VFC) is actively engaged in the development of international productions, including minority coproductions involving Switzerland. These types of projects serve as a strategic tool to attract international shoots and generate tangible benefits for the region.
What is a minority coproduction?
In a minority coproduction, Switzerland acts as a non-majority partner, whether financially, artistically, or logistically. This means the project is usually initiated abroad, but Switzerland, through local producers, contributes a minority share of the financing while also showcasing shooting locations, logistical support, or Swiss expertise (technicians).
These projects allow Swiss producers to gain access to predominantly European production networks and foster broader circulation of works beyond Swiss borders.
Two concrete examples: “Eurotrash” and “J’oublierai ton nom”
The films « Eurotrash » (a Swiss-German coproduction) by Frauke Finsterwalder and « J’oublierai ton nom » (a Swiss-French coproduction) by Yann Gonzalez illustrate this dynamic. Both included the Valais as a filming location, confirming the region’s capacity to host demanding projects while highlighting the diversity of its infrastructure and technical know-how.
A Driver for the Economy and Visibility of Valais
By supporting these projects, the VFC contributes not only to the economic vibrancy of the region (overnight stays, catering, transport, local expertise), but also to the promotion of Valais on the international stage. Minority coproductions thus combine cultural impact with economic benefits, positioning Valais within the professional circuits of European cinema.
