The Valais Film Commission (VFC) seizes every opportunity to strengthen its visibility by participating in major events in the audiovisual industry. Its goal: to showcase the unique strengths of its region — a wide diversity of natural landscapes, a booming audiovisual ecosystem, modern technical infrastructure, personalized support for productions, and financial incentives.
Beyond the one-off promotion of a film or event, this approach aims to position Valais as a long-term filming destination, enhance its reputation among international professionals, and build strong relationships with key players in the film industry, particularly in the field of animation.
Stuttgart: Spotlight on animation and innovation.
VFC’s participation in the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film (ITFS) 2025 and the Animation Production Days (APD) (April 6–8, 2025) marked a new step in its strategy.
The aim: to position Valais as a reference destination for animation. Claude Barras’s film Sauvages, entirely shot in Valais, was highlighted with an official screening and a case study during a panel on Swiss co-productions. The event also introduced Studio 13 — the first animation studio in French-speaking Switzerland — as a symbol of a vibrant and growing sector.
Valais also stood out through special events showcasing local expertise, including a masterclass by director Claude Barras, a key figure in animation, and an exhibition dedicated to the puppets from his film.
Cannes: Swiss synergy in the service of creativity.
During the Cannes Film Festival (May 14–18, 2025), the Valais Film Commission partnered with the Ticino Film Commission to jointly promote Switzerland’s potential as a filming destination.
This collaborative approach aims to foster synergy between Swiss regions and offer a unified showcase of the country’s assets: diverse landscapes, institutional support, technical expertise, and high quality of life.
By joining forces, the commissions hope to convince professionals from around the world that Switzerland is a credible, competitive, and inspiring option for their audiovisual projects.
China: Opening up to new markets.
As part of its expansion strategy, the Valais Film Commission took part in the Beijing International Film Festival (April 18–26), one of the most important film events in Asia. During a roundtable on Swiss co-production, VFC engaged in dialogue with Chinese professionals and met representatives of the China Film Group to explore potential future collaborations.
This presence in China reaffirms VFC’s ambition: to go beyond European borders and open up to new strategic markets, positioning Valais as a globally recognized destination for the film industry.
