The Swiss Illusion (2013)
Theme: Swiss identity, economic policy, and political contradictions
This documentary challenges the long-standing image of Switzerland as a model of fairness and neutrality. It examines how the country’s economic policies benefit from a two-faced system: one that promotes openness and democracy at home while facilitating secretive financial flows abroad. The film delves into the influence of Swiss corporations and lobbyists in shaping policy, and how this creates disparities within the society. It also shows the hidden cost of maintaining economic stability through banking secrecy and tax privileges. Rather than romanticizing the system, it questions who really benefits from the so-called "Swiss model."
Dirty Gold War (2015)
Theme: Switzerland’s central role in the global gold trade
Switzerland processes around 70% of the world’s gold — a fact not widely known outside financial circles. This film uncovers how much of that gold comes from countries plagued by conflict, corruption, and human rights abuses. The documentary tracks the journey of “dirty gold” from illegal mines to Swiss refineries, showing how the wealth created often bypasses local communities. It critically assesses the complicity of Swiss trading houses and questions the ethical blind spots of such high-profit industries. The country’s pristine image contrasts sharply with its role as a hub in this shadowy global market.
Banking on Bitcoin (2016)
Theme: Cryptocurrency and Swiss innovation in financial technology
Though not exclusively about Switzerland, this film highlights how the small town of Zug became known as "Crypto Valley." It documents the rise of blockchain startups in the Swiss regulatory environment, which proved more open and forward-thinking than most of Europe. The relevance of the film cannot be overstated, as the technology is now in demand in a wide variety of fields, from sustainable farms to foreign online casinos, or as they are called in Switzerland, ausländische online casinos.
The documentary explores how Swiss law created a sandbox for crypto entrepreneurs and how this positioned the country as a digital finance pioneer. With scenes from early crypto conferences and interviews with innovators, the film places Switzerland at the heart of the evolving debate on decentralization, trust, and new financial systems. It also hints at a broader shift: from traditional banking secrecy to transparent, decentralized alternatives.
Akris – Das Geheimnis der Mode (2021)
Theme: High-end fashion as a business of precision and heritage
This documentary focuses on the fashion house Akris, Switzerland’s most internationally recognized luxury label. It explores not only the aesthetics but also the economics of running a global brand from a relatively discreet nation. From sourcing fabrics in St. Gallen to managing logistics for Paris runway shows, the film reveals the complex operations behind quiet luxury. Akris emerges as a case study in how a brand can scale without sacrificing identity, and how Swiss values — precision, discretion, quality — translate directly into global competitiveness. Fashion here is presented as a calculated, long-term business rather than a seasonal spectacle.
The Forum (2019)
Theme: The World Economic Forum and Switzerland’s influence in global policy
Filmed inside the World Economic Forum in Davos, this documentary offers rare access to one of the most powerful gatherings in international business. It follows WEF founder Klaus Schwab and captures moments of negotiation, diplomacy, and brand positioning by heads of state and CEOs. The film demonstrates how Switzerland, through Davos, provides not just a physical venue but also a symbolic space for economic elites to shape global policy. It critiques the tensions between public interest and private power, and the role of image-making in elite capitalism. Switzerland’s neutrality becomes a business model — offering a platform for influence without confrontation.
