close

The Fool or the Holyman

The Fool Or The Holyman
Two siblings set out to unravel the truth behind their father, a man with many faces, Colonel Albert Bachmann — Switzerland’s most controversial Cold War spy. Through three conflicting narratives, they attempt to piece together the life of a man who was seen as a hero, fool and something much darker.
Feature Documentary – in production
Director: Daire Collins
Writers: Daire Collins & Philippe Grob
Production: Catpics, Ard Mhacha Productions
Supported by: Zürcher Filmstiftung, Bundesamt für Kultur, SRG SSR, Screen Ireland
close

OMBRA DEL MOVIMENTO

Ombra del Movimento
The approaching end of a Sicilian prima ballerina's career becomes an emotional journey of self-discovery. After leaving home at the age of twelve and gracing the greatest stages across Europe, she now sets out to find a new purpose and reconnect with her roots. A dance documentary about identity and belonging.
Feature Documentary – in development
Director: Chris Santiago
Writers: Chris Santiago & Philippe Grob
close

And the living is

And The Living Is
Joan feels she is disappearing. Lola tries everything to fix her mother and gain control of her life again. Enya, who misses Joan the most, keeps her distance.
Feature Film – in development
Writer & Director: Chanelle Eidenbenz
Supported by: Zürcher Filmstiftung, Bundesamt für Kultur
close

Theory Of Change

L'Estivage
The protein shift in the food system is an indispensable response to the ecological challenges of our time. In an ambitious project, a group of leading scientists is boldly piloting this transition across the entire value chain in Switzerland. The innovative study, widely recognized in the Western world, has the potential to fundamentally transform global food systems.
Feature Documentary – in development
Writer & Director: Philippe Grob
close

Stock Man

Stock Man
In a hyper-corporatised dystopian future, an AI assistant discovers his unable to perform his function after he is transported from the computer into the real world. He embarks on an emotional journey in search of his purpose as a human being, becoming a social outcast in the process.
Genre: Sci-fi black comedy
Writer & Director: Nic fforde
Length: 90 min
Languages: English
Production: The Friend Film Atelier
State: In development
close

CHAGRIN VALLEY

Chagrin Valley
In a warehouse on the outskirts of Cleveland, residents with dementia of an elderly home live in the crystalized past of 1950s America, an artificial indoor village. The home’s residents and their caregivers share in their struggle and dream of a better future. Chagrin Valley reveals the collective fictions that make up the facade of modern-America, as well as our neglect towards those most in need of care – whether you have dementia or not.
Feature Documentary – in distribution
Writers & Director: Nathalie Berger
Production: Zurich University of the Arts
Festivals: 29e Visions du Réel; Munich, 38. DOK.fest München; 59. Solothurner Filmtage
Awards: Swiss Film Award, Best Graduation Film 2024;  Visions du Réel, Prix de la Compétition Nationale 2023
close

THE DRIVEN ONES

The Driven Ones
Over the course of seven years, THE DRIVEN ONES follows tomorrow’s business elite: from their studies at the University of St. Gallen in the best master‘s program in the worldwide through to the early stages of their careers.
Feature Documentary – in distribution
Writer & Director: Piet Baumgartner
Production: Catpics
Supported by: Zürcher Filmstiftung, Bundesamt für Kultur, Kanton St. Gallen, SRG SSR, ARD
Festivals: Amsterdam, 36th IDFA International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam.
Awards: Swiss Film Award, Best Documentary 2024 (Nomination)
close

POSTERBOY

posterboy
Julia, a director of an NGO is looking for a new face for the company's campaign. In the process, she is tempted to abuse her position of power. A reflection of contemporary authority in a postcolonial context.
Short Film – in distribution
Writers & Director: Urša Kastelic
Production: Zurich University of the Arts
close

LEGAL GUILT

Legal Guilt
LEGAL GUILT is a documentary series about young female defense attorneys. They defend people who get into trouble with the law and face a front of antagonists. Nevertheless, the young female defense attorneys fight unrestingly like David against Goliath; for the law, for their clients and for their careers in a male-dominated world.
Genre: Documentary Series
Length: 4 x 50min
Languages: German
Writers: Lisa Gerig, Philippe Grob, Felix Hergert, Dario Schoch
Directors: Lisa Gerig, Felix Hergert
Production: Catpics
close

THE FOOL OR THE HOLYMAN

The Fool Or The Holyman
Two siblings set out to unravel the truth behind their father, a man with many faces, Colonel Albert Bachmann — Switzerland’s most controversial Cold War spy. Through three conflicting narratives, they attempt to piece together the life of a man who was seen as a hero, fool and something much darker.
Feature Documentary – in production
Director: Daire Collins
Writers: Daire Collins & Philippe Grob
Production: Catpics, Ard Mhacha Productions
Supported by: Zürcher Filmstiftung, Bundesamt für Kultur, SRG SSR, Screen Ireland
close

And the living is

And The Living Is
Joan feels she is disappearing. Lola tries everything to fix her mother and gain control of her life again. Enya, who misses Joan the most, keeps her distance.
Feature film – in development
Writer & Director: Chanelle Eidenbenz
Supported by: Zürcher Filmstiftung, Bundesamt für Kultur
close

OMBRA DEL MOVIMENTO

Ombra del Movimento
The approaching end of a Sicilian prima ballerina's career becomes an emotional journey of self-discovery. After leaving home at the age of twelve and gracing the greatest stages across Europe, she now sets out to find a new purpose and reconnect with her roots. A dance documentary about identity and belonging.
Feature Documentary – in development
Director: Chris Santiago
Writers: Chris Santiago & Philippe Grob
close

CHAGRIN VALLEY

Chagrin Valley
In a warehouse on the outskirts of Cleveland, residents with dementia of an elderly home live in the crystalized past of 1950s America, an artificial indoor village. The home’s residents and their caregivers share in their struggle and dream of a better future. Chagrin Valley reveals the collective fictions that make up the facade of modern-America, as well as our neglect towards those most in need of care – whether you have dementia or not.
Feature Documentary – in distribution
Writers & Director: Nathalie Berger
Production: Zurich University of the Arts
Festivals: Nyon, 29e Visions du Réel; Munich, 38. DOK.fest München; Solothurn, 59. Solothurner Filmtage
Awards: Swiss Film Award, Best Graduation Film 2024; Visions du Réel, Prix de la Compétition Nationale 2023  
close

Stock Man

Stock Man
In a hyper-corporatised dystopian future, an AI assistant discovers his unable to perform his function after he is transported from the computer into the real world. He embarks on an emotional journey in search of his purpose as a human being, becoming a social outcast in the process.
Genre: Sci-fi black comedy
Writer & Director: Nic fforde
Length: 90 min
Languages: English
Production: The Friend Film Atelier
State: In development
close

THE DRIVEN ONES

The Driven Ones
Over the course of seven years, THE DRIVEN ONES follows tomorrow’s business elite: from their studies at the University of St. Gallen in the best master‘s program in the worldwide through to the early stages of their careers.
Feature Documentary – in distribution
Writers & Director: Piet Baumgartner
Production: Catpics
Supported by: Zürcher Filmstiftung, Bundesamt für Kultur, Kanton St. Gallen, SRG SSR, ARD.
Festivals: Amsterdam, 36th IDFA International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam.
Awards: Swiss Film Award, Best Documentary 2024 (Nomination)
close

Theory Of Change

The protein shift in the food system is an indispensable response to the ecological challenges of our time. In an ambitious project, a group of leading scientists is boldly piloting this transition across the entire value chain in Switzerland. The innovative study, widely recognized in the Western world, has the potential to fundamentally transform global food systems.
Feature Documentary – in development
Writer & Director: Philippe Grob
close

POSTERBOY

posterboy
Julia, a director of an NGO is looking for a new face for the company's campaign. In the process, she is tempted to abuse her position of power. A reflection of contemporary authority in a postcolonial context.
Short Film – in distribution
Writers & Director: Urša Kastelic
Production: Zurich University of the Arts
close

LEGAL GUILT

Legal Guilt
LEGAL GUILT is a documentary series about young female defense attorneys. They defend people who get into trouble with the law and face a front of antagonists. Nevertheless, the young female defense attorneys fight unrestingly like David against Goliath; for the law, for their clients and for their careers in a male-dominated world.
Genre: Documentary Series
Length: 4 x 50min
Languages: German
Writers: Lisa Gerig, Philippe Grob, Felix Hergert, Dario Schoch
Directors: Lisa Gerig, Felix Hergert
Production: Catpics

The Friend
Film Atelier

Say hello!

documentary & fiction

development   *   production   *   consulting

documentary & fiction

development  *  production  *  consulting

THE FOOL OR THE HOLYMAN

by Daire Collins

And the living is

by Chanelle Eidenbenz

Ombra del Movimento

by Chris Santiago

Theory Of Change

by Philippe Grob

CHAGRIN VALLEY

by Nathalie Berger

THE DRIVEN ONES

by Piet Baumgartner

POSTERBOY

by Urša Kastelic

THE FOOL OR THE HOLYMAN

by Daire Collins

And the living is

by Chanelle Eidenbenz

Ombra del Movimento

by Chris Santiago

Theory Of Change

by Philippe Grob

CHAGRIN VALLEY

by Nathalie Berger

THE DRIVEN ONES

by Piet Baumgartner

POSTERBOY

by Urša Kastelic

About

Welcome to The Friend Film Atelier. We are a young independent film production company based in Zurich, Switzerland. Led by producer and writer Philippe Grob, we craft compelling arthouse films that captivate audiences worldwide.

At The Friend, we embrace a creative and unique approach, driven by our love for storytelling and crafting unforgettable cinematic atmospheres. We specialize in both documentary and fictional narratives, always prioritizing authenticity and a strong artistic vision. With a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, we aim to make a positive impact on both our industry and the world at large. A friendly and collaborative atmosphere is at the heart of everything we do as we work closely with a diverse community of creatives.

Get in touch with us and join us on our cinematic journey, where we work not only as colleagues but as friends, united by a shared passion for creating exceptional films. Together at The Friend Film Atelier, let’s aspire to push the boundaries of independent cinema.

The Friend
Film Atelier

hello[at]thefriend.ch +41 78 824 44 05

Say hello!

Wehntalerstrasse 52
8057 Zurich, Switzerland

The Friend GmbH © 2024