American filmmaker Richard Linklater will be honoured at this year’s Zurich Film Festival with the Career Achievement Award for his life’s work, receiving the Golden Eye.
He will accept the award in person on 28 September at the Filmpodium Zürich.
“The ZFF pays tribute to Linklater as one of the most influential auteur filmmakers of American independent cinema – a director whose works, including the Before trilogy and Boyhood, have redefined cinema and shaped an entire generation,” said the ZFF.
As part of the festival, the ZFF is presenting an extensive retrospective of his work in collaboration with the Filmpodium Zürich and the Cinémathèque suisse. He will also offer insights into his work during a public ZFF Masters.
“Richard Linklater is one of the most visionary and formative directors of American independent cinema,” added Christian Jungen, CEO of the ZFF.
“Through naturalistic dialogue and scenes that feel plucked straight from life, he holds up a mirror to our times and regularly brings out the very best in his actors.
“He is also the director of my absolute favourite film, Before Sunrise, thanks to which I met my wife.
“I am therefore especially delighted to welcome him to Zurich and to share with our audiences the films that have moved me for so many years.”
Linklater revealed: “I am truly honoured to receive the Career Achievement Award from the Zurich Film Festival.
“When Christian and I met at the Golden Globes, I mentioned I’ve always wanted to attend one day and now seemed like the right time.
“I’m delighted that this award is the occasion that brings me there, and I very much look forward to celebrating with the European audience that has meant so much to me throughout my career.”
