By Elke Porter | Westcoast German News | October 20, 2025
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Film enthusiasts in Vancouver and across Canada have a hidden gem at their fingertips: the Swiss Film Club, presented by the Consulate General of Switzerland. This ongoing series brings contemporary Swiss cinema directly to Canadian audiences through free online screenings and occasional in-person events.

This week, the Swiss Film Club celebrates the Settimana della lingua italiana nel mondo (Week of the Italian Language in the World) with a compelling offering. From October 22-26, viewers can stream Papaya 69 (2023), the debut feature from Swiss-Italian directing duo Riccardo Bernasconi and Francesca Reverdito.

The film tells the gripping story of two women whose unexpected encounter sparks a transformative journey. Eva, a 29-year-old South American woman fleeing an abusive relationship, crosses paths with Rainbow, a former child TV star now trapped in the shadow of "Papaya" — a character she portrayed at fourteen that's been revived in an adult version online. Together, they embark on a powerful narrative of self-reconciliation, revenge, and mutual liberation.

Shot in the picturesque towns of Mendrisio and Chiasso, Papaya 69 showcases the raw beauty and emotional depth of Ticino, Switzerland's Italian-speaking region. The 96-minute fiction film is presented in Italian with both English and French subtitles, making it accessible to Canada's diverse linguistic communities.

What makes the Swiss Film Club particularly appealing is its accessibility. Registration is completely free — one spot per person or family — and participants receive a viewing link via email before the screening dates. This allows viewers to watch at their convenience within the event window, perfect for busy schedules.

The program represents an excellent opportunity to discover international cinema from the comfort of home while exploring Switzerland's rich cultural contributions to filmmaking. Whether you're a devoted cinephile or simply curious about Swiss storytelling, the Swiss Film Club offers a window into compelling narratives that might otherwise never reach Canadian screens.

To participate, reserve your spot through the Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver's event page and prepare for a thought-provoking cinematic experience. Join the Swiss Film Club here: https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/canada/en/home/news/agenda/swissfilmclub.html. You can even go behind the camera with their exclusive filmmaker Q&As! All recorded sessions are available on our YouTube playlist.

Contact Elke Porter at:
Westcoast German Media
LinkedIn: Elke Porter or
WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788.
Public Relations. Communications. Education

TAGS:

  • #Swiss Film Club
  • #Vancouver Film
  • #International Cinema
  • #Free Movie Streaming
  • #Swiss Culture
  • #Independent Film
  • #Westcoast German News
  • #Elke Porter

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