The final figures show 53 international feature films, including 28 as Swiss and one as a European premiere, an “Eye of the Beholder” award, 5,000 francs in prize money and around 30 “survivors,” who ended the last day of the festival together after a 19-hour film marathon with a long final night with an offered breakfast.
“Deus Irae” wins the “Eye of the Beholder” award 2025, the prize for the best short film remains in Switzerland
In the presence of Argentinean director Pedro Cristiani, the audience prize will be awarded to “Deus Irae” (2024) during the award show on Saturday evening. The intensive and dark work prevailed against four competitors in the “Official Competition”. The winner was chosen by the audience. The festival award and prize money of 5,000 Swiss francs each go in full to the director. The fact that the prize can be received in person is a novelty. Cristiani has travelled directly from BIFFF, Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, and is on site as a guest of honor during the festival days.
The short film prize, which was awarded for the first time, goes to the Swiss production “Syncope” (2023) by director Linus von Stumberg. The newly created short film block has enjoyed great popularity and is to be continued in the coming years.
Audience winning film selection
“Locked” (2025) was the most successful with 178 guests. The BRUGGGORE Filmfestival had received the only confirmed screenings in Switzerland so far. “Until Dawn” (2025) was also successful with 146 guests. Classic horror film productions such as “Deus Irae” (140 guests), “Blood Glacier” (115 guests) or “Pabrik Gula” (111 guests) were also convincing. Funny and very entertaining productions such as “The Black Hole” (132 guests), “Vampire Zombies... From Space!” (121 guests) and “Chainsaws Were Singing” (113 guests).
In general, the occupancy rate at Brugger's Excelsior and Odeon cinemas was significantly higher than last year and around 100 visitors attended the first screenings as early as Tuesday morning at 11:00 a.m.
More highlights
The visit by directing duo Oliver Paulus and Robert Herzl, who presented their Swiss-Austrian co-production “Bernadette will töten”, was highly appreciated by the audience.
There was also standing applause at the live concert by the Swiss band ÖZ ÜRÜGÜLÜ, who played the Odeon with their side project OZ GOREGULU. Experimental new interpretations of well-known horror film soundtrack classics were offered. The performance was supported by live-produced film and image recordings by video artist Martin Riesen.
What's next
The sixth BRUGGGORE Film Festival will take place on a similar scale from April 21 to 25, 2026. The festival committee is currently examining whether other venues will be added to the Odeon and Excelsior Cinemas. Quote from Michel Frutig, festival director:
“The enthusiasm of our maniacs is incredibly motivating. From Tuesday morning to Sunday morning, the atmosphere was great. With each passing year, the fan base is growing and it is becoming increasingly clear that German-speaking Switzerland needs an event for fantastic cinema. We want to continuously expand our offering so that we can cover all facets of horror films and related genres.”
