Film Swiss Sabotage: Ticino’s cross-border workers hit Swiss screens nationwide
Following 15,000 viewers in Ticino, the film 'Frontaliers Sabotage' is now screening in 16 German- and French-speaking Swiss cinemas under its new title 'Swiss Sabotage'. Screenings will take place in Zurich, Geneva and Lausanne starting Wednesday, April 16.
Contesto
Wednesday, 16 April 2026 is a date to mark on the calendar for Ticino’s cross-border workers and all Italian-speaking Swiss residents. After drawing in more than 15,000 spectators in Ticino and winning over audiences on the other side of the Gotthard, the film by Ticino’s cross-border workers is crossing the mountain pass and arriving in 16 German-speaking Swiss cinemas today, Thursday 16 April, as well as in the French-speaking region in Geneva and Lausanne from Wednesday. ### The Zurich premiere The big official premiere will take place tonight at 8:30 pm at the Arena Sihlcity in Zurich, with the participation of director Alberto Meroni, Barbara Barbarossa, Flavio Sala, Christa Rigozzi and Leonardo Jelmini. Werner Biermeier and Paolo Guglielmoni will be absent for justified reasons. 'Whenever Werner can’t make it, I always joke that it’s because Bernasconi is on duty at customs,' Meroni quips. ### The new title: Swiss Sabotage The film, originally known as Frontaliers Sabotage, has been retitled for the occasion as Swiss Sabotage. As the director explains, the choice is meant to highlight the concept of Swiss national identity, a theme that has already been well received by both the French- and German-speaking Swiss press. 'They’ve said it’s a great take on Swiss identity, that it’s fun and highly enjoyable,' Meroni notes. The version being distributed will be in the original language with German or French subtitles, ensuring accessibility for all audiences. ### Screening dates and locations Screenings will begin in the coming days in several cities: - Zurich: Arena Sihlcity (premiere tonight) - Geneva: Pathé Balexert (from 15 April) - Lausanne: [city and cinema not yet specified] - German-speaking Switzerland: 16 cinemas (list not yet specified) Meroni is urgi...
Dettagli operativi
A success in Ticino, now the national challenge The film Frontaliers Sabotage has already proven it can engage Ticino’s audience, but its arrival across Switzerland represents a new challenge. Director Alberto Meroni highlights how the concept of Swiss identity resonated well with critics from French-speaking and German-speaking Switzerland, a positive sign for spreading the film’s message beyond the canton’s borders. ### Future expectations While remaining realistic, Meroni doesn’t hide his desire to replicate a success like Bonjour Ticino, which exceeded all expectations. 'I’ve stopped believing in pink ponies for a while now,' he says with a touch of irony. 'In my wish list, I put that the film succeeds, that I find a pink pony, and that I become a player in the National Hockey League.' ### Next horizons: Como and beyond After its Swiss release, the film will move to Como and other Italian cities that have requested screenings. 'We won’t have a widespread release in Italy because the market is much larger and more complex than ours,' explains Meroni. However, screenings are already planned sporadically in the province of Varese, starting with the capital. 'There will be more screenings in the autumn.' ### Summer season in Ticino For Ticino residents who haven’t yet had the chance to see the film, the director reveals that open-air screenings will be organised in various locations across the canton, at the request of local administrations. 'The schedules will be available soon, so those who haven’t seen the film yet will finally get the chance.' ### What changes for Ticino’s cross-border workers For those who live and work between Ticino and Italy, this distribution represents a unique opportunity. Not only to watch a film that tells their lives, but also to...
Punti chiave
How to watch Swiss Sabotage: a practical guide for Ticino cross-border workers If you're a Ticino cross-border worker living beyond the Gotthard, here are the steps to follow to make sure you don’t miss the film Swiss Sabotage: it will no longer be available in Ticino with the same widespread distribution. #### 1. Check the cinemas near you Visit the film’s official website or the cinemas’ pages to find exact showtimes and locations. In Zurich, the premiere is tonight at 8:30 PM at Arena Sihlcity. In French-speaking Switzerland, screenings will start on Wednesday, April 16 in Geneva and Lausanne. In German-speaking Switzerland, 16 cinemas in various cities will be showing the film, but the full list has not yet been published. #### 2. Book your tickets in advance Given the limited distribution, it’s advisable to purchase tickets online or at the box office to avoid missing out. Keep in mind that, unlike in Ticino, the programming will be shorter and focused mainly on weekends. #### 3. Prepare for the screening The film will be shown in its original language with subtitles in German or French, depending on the location. Make sure to select the version with subtitles in your preferred language. Bring a valid ID with you, as it may be required when purchasing tickets. #### 4. Join the special events On Wednesday evening in Zurich, there will be a premiere with the director and cast in attendance. If you’re nearby, this could be a unique chance to meet the stars and experience the film in an even more engaging way. #### 5. Stay updated on summer screenings in Ticino For those who prefer to stay in Ticino, director Alberto Meroni has announced that open-air screenings will be organized in various locations over the coming months. Keep an eye on official calendars...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"Where can I find the full list of cinemas in German-speaking Switzerland showing Swiss Sabotage?","a":"The complete list of the 16 cinemas has not yet been published. So far, it has been announced that screenings will begin on Thursday, April 16, in various cities across German-speaking Switzerland, but no cinemas or detailed showtimes are available yet. We recommend checking the official websites of the cinemas or the film for updates."},{"q":"Will the film also be available on streaming or DVD?","a":"No streaming or DVD release has been announced at this time. Director Alberto Meroni has emphasized that the current strategy focuses solely on theatrical screenings, both in Switzerland and Italy. Any updates regarding other platforms will be announced at a later date."},{"q":"Will there be Italian subtitles for cross-border workers who do not speak German or French?","a":"No, screenings will be in the original language with subtitles in German or French, depending on the region. There are no plans for an Italian dub. Cross-border workers unfamiliar with these languages can still follow the film with subtitles."},{"q":"Can I arrange a private screening of the film for a group of cross-border workers?","a":"It has not been specified whether private screenings are possible. However, director Alberto Meroni mentioned that screenings are planned for autumn in Como and other Italian cities, upon request from local administrations. If you are interested in organizing a similar event, you could contact cross-border worker associations in your area or local cinemas."},{"q":"Will there be further screenings of the film in Ticino after this national release?","a":"Yes, director Alberto Meroni has announced that open-air screenings will be organized in various locations acro...
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I find the full list of cinemas in German-speaking Switzerland showing Swiss Sabotage?
- The complete list of the 16 cinemas has not yet been published. So far, it has been announced that screenings will begin on Thursday, April 16, in various cities across German-speaking Switzerland, but no cinemas or detailed showtimes are available yet. We recommend checking the official websites of the cinemas or the film for updates.
- Will the film also be available on streaming or DVD?
- No streaming or DVD release has been announced at this time. Director Alberto Meroni has emphasized that the current strategy focuses solely on theatrical screenings, both in Switzerland and Italy. Any updates regarding other platforms will be announced at a later date.
- Will there be Italian subtitles for cross-border workers who do not speak German or French?
- No, screenings will be in the original language with subtitles in German or French, depending on the region. There are no plans for an Italian dub. Cross-border workers unfamiliar with these languages can still follow the film with subtitles.
- Can I arrange a private screening of the film for a group of cross-border workers?
- It has not been specified whether private screenings are possible. However, director Alberto Meroni mentioned that screenings are planned for autumn in Como and other Italian cities, upon request from local administrations. If you are interested in organizing a similar event, you could contact cross-border worker associations in your area or local cinemas.
- Will there be further screenings of the film in Ticino after this national release?
- Yes, director Alberto Meroni has announced that **open-air** screenings will be organized in various locations across the canton in the coming months, upon request from local administrations. The schedules will be available soon, so those who have not yet seen the film will have the chance to watch it during the summer season.