20 FARMERS HIT FAME - NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS by Bernard Weber & Martin Schilt Mountain dwellers caught between traditions and show business. www.firsthandfilms.com/films/20+Far...

Selected for @unesco.org's Memory of the World Register (1001 carefully curated films), this film from 2003 is still, and again relevant: ARNA'S CHILDREN by Juliano Mer Khamis Palestinian theatre students use art as a weapon against the Occupation.

WHITE BLACK BOY by Camilla Magid A story about an albino boy from Tanzania, hunted and unwanted. www.firsthandfilms.com/films/White+... #Albino #HumanRights #ChildrenRights #AlbinoTrafficking #Africa #Tanzania #FemaleFilmmaker #FirstHandFilms #Library #Documentary

🎬 Special Screenings with Q&A: AMBULANCE & LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL by Mohamed Jabaly 🗓 October 1st & 2nd at 20:00 📍 Cinemes Girona, #Barcelona 🗣️ Arabic, English, Norwegian spoken with Catalan and English subtitles 📺 Trailers www.firsthandfilms.com/films/?search=Jabaly

We're proud to present these outstanding films at the #VeniceFilmFestival WHO IS STILL ALIVE by Nicolas Wadimoff ELVIRA NOTARI - BEYOND SILENCE by Valerio Ciriaci #VeniceFilmFestival #FreePalestine #SaveGaza #ElviraNotari #Venice #Italy #Cinema #FilmFestival #FirstHandFilms #Documentary

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS How do we interpret the Ten Commandments in our current era? For a long time, the Ten Commandments gave direction to thinking and actions, but how do we relate to these rules, to each other and to the complex societies we live in?

Today, we celebrate the Swiss National Day🇨🇭 what better time to learn more about what makes a young man in Norway 🇳🇴 want to yodel? ;) THE ART OF YODELING by Eivind Tolas www.firsthandfilms.com/films/The+Ar... #Yodeling #Switzerland #Norway #Documentary

Please meet Charlotte Knowles: fabulous super producer of PALESTINE COMEDY CLUB by Alaa 'Regash' Aliabdallah and truly an absolute gem of a person to work and be with. #Talents in the #FirstHandFilms #Family

✨ 🍿Jetzt im Kino🐎✨: To Kill a Mongolian Horse — Ein kraftvolles Porträt von Männlichkeit und Tradition in der Krise, erzählt aus weiblicher Sicht. 🎭 Mit: Saina, Undus, Qilemuge, Tonggalag, Qinartu 🎬 Ein Film von @Xiaoxuan Jiang 🎥 Produziert von Zhulin Mo & Tan Chui Mui @Da Huang Pictures

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS is a film series by ten award-winning filmmakers with diverse views on Western morals today. This astounding body of work will make you think, dream, smile, and wonder: THE STORY OF NE KUKO by Festus Toll 10. Thou shalt not covet.

🐎🎭💔 Au cinéma dès le 27.08.2025 : ✨ TO KILL A MONGOLIAN HORSE ✨ Saina, berger le jour et cavalier la nuit, lutte entre tradition et modernité dans les steppes de Mongolie intérieure. Un portrait intense de la masculinité en crise, récompensé à Venise. 🎬 Un film de @Xiaoxuan Jiang.

Today we remember Srebrenica 🕯 Before the massacre 30 years ago, Srebrenica was cut off from the world. One man filmed a letter to his baby daughter. Today, she uncovers his story and the genocide that followed: THE SREBRENICA TAPE by Chiara Sambuchi @esthervanmessel.bsky.social

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS is a film series by ten award-winning filmmakers with diverse views on Western morals today. This astounding body of work will make you think, dream, smile, and wonder: 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour: TREE OF LIES by Raluca Lupaşcu

The so called Pride Month is over but Pride doesn't stop there - we're proud to present our queer films all year round. Happy streaming! 🌈 #Pride #Queer #LGBTQIA+ #Trans #FilmFestival #NoPrideinGenocide #PinkWashing #Feminist #Gender #FirstHandFilms #Documentary

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS is a film series by ten award-winning filmmakers with diverse views on Western morals today. This astounding body of work will make you think, dream, smile, and wonder: NOWHERE MAN by Jaap van Heusden & Jan Willem den Bok 7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Broadcasting today on Al Jazeera English reaching over 440 million households in over 150 countries: DEVI by Subina Shrestha Watch the trailer here: www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Devi/1... #Survivor #Feminist #FemaleFilmmaker #Women #Equality #Nepal #Asia #FirstHandFilms #Documentary

🎬🍜 Maintenant au cinéma : DANS LA CUISINE DES NGUYEN Une comédie musicale pleine de tendresse sur les liens mère-fille et la magie de la cuisine vietnamienne. 📍 À l'affiche dès le 04.06 : Carouge, Fribourg, Pully, Neuchâtel, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Sierre, Echallens, Vevey & Châtel-St-Denis.

Premiering at the debut edition of #SXSWLondon today: PALESTINE COMEDY CLUB by Alaa 'Regash' Aliabdallah & Charlotte Knowles following a buzzworthy launch when pitched at Cannes Docs-in-Progress. www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Palest... @esthervanmessel.bsky.social

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS is a film series by ten award-winning filmmakers with diverse views on Western morals today. This astounding body of work will make you think, dream, smile, and wonder: GET UP! AND REST. by Bibi Fadlalla 4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS is a film series by ten award-winning filmmakers with diverse views on Western morals today. This astounding body of work will make you think, dream, smile, and wonder: FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS by Sergey Kreso 3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

🎬 Claude Baechtold – typographe suisse qui est devenu reporter. 📼 Ses vidéos tournées en Afghanistan après le 11 septembre réapparaissent 20 ans plus tard. Elles donnent naissance au film RIVERBOOM. 🏆 Prix du cinéma suisse 2025 – Meilleur montage. 🙏 Merci, Claude. Pour cette histoire bouleversante.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS is a series of films by ten different award-winning filmmakers with their diverse views on Western morals today. This astounding body of work will make you think, dream, smile, and wonder: HOW TO DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY by Marc Schmidt 1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

CONTACT by Mario Paloschi & Gianluigi Attorre What is the story behind the most famous iconic photos from around the world? A unique and fascinating journey into the forbidden city of the contact sheets of the world renowned photographers from Magnum, the legendary agency founded in 1947.

THINKING EXISTENZ by Graça Castanheira A ten part series on philosophy, politics and society: voices of contemporary reality, revealing the deep connections that exist between our mental models and the consequences thereof in our present day - for the individual, for life and for the planet.

✨DANS LA CUISINE DES NGUYEN – ein Musical, eine liebevolle Hommage an die Beziehung zwischen Müttern und Töchtern und an die Magie des Kochens. 🎬 Ab 12. Juni 2025 in Basel,kult.kino atelier, Biel Cinevital Rex, Luzern Capitol, Zürich Capitol und St. Gallen Scala @esthervanmessel.bsky.social

✨Première ! DANS LA CUISINE DES NGUYEN – Entre chansons et rouleaux de printemps. 🎬 Avec le réalisateur Stéphane Ly-Cuong en personne : 03.06 Pully | 04.06 Genève | 14.06 Neuchâtel & La Chaux-de-Fonds | 15.06 Sierre #InTheNguyenKitchen #Première #firsthandfilms @esthervanmessel.bsky.social

DANS LA CUISINE DES NGUYEN 🎬🍜✨ Entre chant, rouleaux de printemps et conflits familiaux : le rêve de comédie musicale d’Yvonne se heurte à la réalité d’une cuisine vietnamienne. Au cinéma dès le 4 juin – Lauréat Best Comedy VIFFF Festival ! Un hommage touchant aux mères, aux filles et aux rêves.

🔥 O QUE ARDE – Ein Film, der nachglüht 🔥 Ein Meisterwerk über Feuer, Einsamkeit und Natur. Erinnern wir uns an diesen besonderen Film, während Oliver Laxe mit einem neuen Werk in Cannes vertreten ist. Jetzt streamen auf filmingo.ch, cinefile.ch & myfilm.ch – sowie weitere Filme aus unserem Verleih

United Nations Human Rights screenings in South Sudan & Tunisia of LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL by Mohamed Jabaly made possible by the wonderful @fifdh.bsky.social OHCHR-Tunisia & UNISFA Thank you for your hard work on the film's meaningful impact on your audiences, we couldn't ask for better partners!

@artefr.bsky.social is now streaming AND STILL I SING by Fazila Amiri As their dreams are within grasp, their lives change when the Taliban returns to power: under the mentorship of controversial pop star Aryana Sayeed, two young singers vie to become the first-ever female winners of Afghan Star.

Meet Danijela: our newest crew member in charge of Marketing & Material! Born and raised in Switzerland, with Serbian roots, Danijela is an optimist who thrives on focused work, dynamic projects, and a big smile. Music is her constant companion—she doesn’t function without a rhythm in her ears.

British Airways, Kenyan Airways and American Airlines are streaming CALL ME DANCER by Leslie Shampaine & Pip Gilmour above the clouds! Where to watch back here on earth: www.firsthandfilms.com/films/Call+M... @esthervanmessel.bsky.social

Disney+ in Europe is now streaming GOLDEN AGE by Beat Oswald! Extravaganza meets isolation in a dazzling contest. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access, The Palace unveils Miami’s top-rated senior community—where glamour, parties, and business thrive. A vibrant yet complex world unfolds.

🎉 We are thrilled to celebrate the talent and diverse voices from the 🏆 FIRST HAND FUND DIVERSITY CALL! 🏆 Seven unique projects embodying diversity, collaboration, and creativity were awarded, each representing a commitment to breaking barriers and embracing innovation. @esthervanmessel.bsky.social

Today, Gaza has called for a global strike – join if you can and spread the word. Our films call for justice, freedom, and equality – and we will continue to fight for them. A one-day strike is not enough but we must rise and make this madness stop until Palestine is free!

🏆 6/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆 SEERA FILMS – where powerful stories from Asia, Africa, and the Arabic-speaking world come to life. SEERA Films amplifies underrepresented voices and showcases diverse narratives with global impact. @esthervanmessel.bsky.social

🏆 5/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆 BE–IN is a platform that enhances visibility, networking, and accessibility in the film festival community through resources, education, and social media. More information about our Fund: www.firsthandfund.com @esthervanmessel.bsky.social

🏆 4/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆 Indian filmmaker Aditi receives our Travel Stipend, supporting diverse voices beyond just films—she is part of Crimson Palette’s slate, which tells urgent stories of migration, dissent, and freedom of speech. @estheranmessel.bsky.social

🏆 3/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆 ANOTHER STORY by Loreley Films: Celebrating Women Directors and Their Work! Reviving female filmmakers’ legacies, connecting past & present through festivals, workshops & research. www.loreleyfilms.ch @estheranmessel.bsky.social

A few years ago we couldn't image a world with wars like in previous centuries, yet here we are. In this film, we watch people who know how to make peace: THE NEGOTIATORS - HOW TO MAKE PEACE by Rosalind Bain www.firsthandfilms.com/films/The+Ne... @esthervanmessel.bsky.social

Free all political prisoners! chng.it/kdnSPZzsPh

WOMEN CONQUER THE ART BUSINESS by Sarah Rathgeb produced by Esther van Messel has been invited to the Womens Voices Now Festival! This film showcases women gallerists who reshaped the male-dominated art world. Get tickets here: www.womensvoicesnow.org/women-conque... @esthervanmessel.bsky.social

@moviesthatmatter.bsky.social Here we come! THE SREBRENICA TAPE by Chiara Sambuchi WRITING HAWA by Najiba Noori & Ali Rasul Noori DEVI by Subina Shrestha Come and say hi to Danika, our Impact Producer together with Swiss Films! @esthervanmessel.bsky.social #FemaleFilmmakers #FirstHandFilms

🏆 2/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆 PALARCTIC by Mohamed Jabaly for Tvibit A Film Program for Nordic & Palestinian Filmmakers Submit here: tvibit.net/palarctic-project For more information about our Fund: www.firsthandfund.com @esthervanmessel.bsky.social

FOOTPRINTS OF WAR by Maximilian Mönch Military attacks have alarming consequences on our ecosystem. Radioactive contaminated landscapes,☢️ many millions of tons of ammunition in our oceans, toxic landscapes, ten percent of global carbon emissions - the military footprint is huge. 🌍🔥 #FirstHandFilms

🏆 1/7 Winner Spotlight: First Hand Fund Diversity Call 🏆 WE ARE THE GRANDDAUGHTERS by Magdalena Puzmujźniak A hybrid doc exploring modern witches challenging the patriarchy through freedom, courage, and inclusivity. For more information about our Fund: link in bio! @esthervanmessel.bsky.social

Award-winning WRITING HAWA by Najiba Noori & Ali Rasul Noori will have its Swiss premiere in the International Competition for Creative Documentaries @fifdh.bsky.social in Geneva this Sunday! #FIFDH #Geneva #FemaleFilmmakers #HumanRights #WomensRights #Afghanistan #FirstHandFilms #Documentary

Meet the winners of the FIRST HAND FUND DIVERSITY CALL! At First Hand Films, we believe in the power of diversity, collaboration & creativity. From our recent DIVERSITY CALL, we're proud to present eight winning projects—supporting workshops, study travels, financing & marketing.

Social media is a tool we use for our work rather than a reflection of our personal views. We are committed to promoting diversity, creativity, and impactful stories, and we reject all forms of extremist thought. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and more ✊

Meet Kata, our gorgeous friend and talented filmmaker from Budapest. She came into our world on a NARROW PATH TO HAPPINESS, a sweet and caring look at a courageous couple following their dreams of writing and producing a musical. #Talents in the #FirstHandFilms #Family