The Lucerne Asian Film Festival aims to make contemporary Asian cinema visible in Central Switzerland. The initiative of film producer Kairat Birimkulov combines curated screenings with talks, cultural encounters and a new perspective on Lucerne.
Landscape images from the concept dossier.
Idea and profile
At the centre are films and the people behind their stories. The festival wants to open doors to the many worlds of Asia and foster exchange between audiences and filmmakers. It addresses the people of Lucerne and the region, students, film lovers and international guests.
The visual idea “Shadow Dragon” draws on the dragon legends of Pilatus. In the concept by HUMAN, the dragon becomes an image for something that leaves traces — like a film that lives on in memory and conversation after the credits.
Film and encounter
The pilot edition focuses on a compact, carefully curated programme. Feature films and documentaries, audience talks, educational formats and a closing event with an award ceremony are planned.
Planning figures; the final programme has not been set.
Workshops and moderated encounters are meant above all to bring young people closer to film culture. For later editions, industry talks, talent development and an exchange on co-productions between Asia and Switzerland are also planned.
Cinema in the city
Under the name “Traces”, the concept proposes continuing selected films in the city: through small installations, culinary references, walks or encounters. Such traces should grow out of the films’ themes and deepen the cinema experience.
Lucerne’s cinemas and cultural venues are the planned basis. Lake, city and Pilatus widen the design perspective. For the pilot, screenings and talks come first; further formats will be chosen according to available funds and agreed partnerships.
Concept material by HUMAN from the project dossier. These are drafts, not images of a festival edition that has taken place.
Initiative and organisation
- Initiative and project lead: Kairat Birimkulov
- Organiser in the funding application: Verein Mountain Dragon, Lucerne
- Visual festival concept: HUMAN · “Shadow Dragon”
The project combines international film experience with local roots. Artistic direction, operational responsibilities and partnerships will be defined as the project develops. Cultural and educational institutions that are mentioned are possible partners; binding agreements will be announced separately.
The project’s path
- Spring 2026: development of the festival idea, first working meetings and discussion of a curated pilot.
- June 2026: visual concept and the organisational and financial plan.
- 30 June 2026: funding application submitted to the City of Lucerne.
- Planning horizon 2028: the concept proposes 26 to 30 April 2028. The final dates are still to be agreed.
The submitted financial plan totals CHF 310,000, of which CHF 155,000 was requested from the City of Lucerne. Further grants, private partnerships, revenue and in-kind contributions are also planned. A funding decision is not documented in the available records.
Implementation depends on secured funding and binding commitments. Venues, programme and ticket information will follow once confirmed.
Contact and collaboration
To talk about the film programme, cultural outreach or collaboration: kontakt@kairatbirimkulov.ch · subject “Lucerne Asian Film Festival”.
Editorial status: 9 November 2026 · basis: concept dossier and project documents.