Swiss cinema, with its geographical, linguistic and social diversity, carries us far away from our everyday lives. Recognised beyond our borders, the perspective of our own filmmakers has left its mark on our country, and expanded our horizons. 

As one of its series celebrating major artistic figures in Switzerland – others have featured the worlds of literature, design and architecture – and with its wealth of archive material, SRG and its national enterprise units are proud to present ten original 26-minute film shorts spotlighting our country's most iconic film-makers. 

Auteurs, film-makers, directors, editors, technicians and producers alike from the four linguistic regions of Switzerland have been inspired, with their talent and sensitivity, by these great names in Switzerland's seventh art, each of whom has trodden his own path and offered a fresh perspective. 

When you profile a film-maker, you profile their work. Each short film examines both the artist and their œuvre. It follows the artist's progression, places their work in its social and political context, and allows the story to be told by the main characters involved. It revisits the films which were emblematic of an age, which created waves, which provoked debate, and which looked at Switzerland in a new light. Together, these films are a fantastic expression of Swiss diversity.