The Sound Behind the Story:

Two Case Studies at STZ07

This edition of SoundTrack_Zurich dedicates two case studies to the sound behind recent standout film projects: I LOVE YOU, I LEAVE YOU, winner of the Golden Eye for Best Documentary and the Audience Award at the Zurich Film Festival 2025, and SEVDA, selected for the Feature Film Competition at ZFF 2026.

On Wednesday, September 30, director Moris Freiburghaus and sound designer Kathleen Moser join sound designer Katharina Pfennich to discuss the role of sound design in the success of I LOVE YOU, I LEAVE YOU. The conversation looks at how sound helped shape the documentary's emotional narrative and, in a more general perspective, how is the work between film directors and sound professionals.

On Friday, October 2, sound designer Vuk Vukmanović explores the sonic language of SEVDA, one of the 14 films shortlisted for this year's Feature Film Competition at ZFF. The case study looks at how sound builds tension and atmosphere throughout the thriller, from small sound details to the bigger sonic picture.

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Meet Handcrafted Audio

Handcrafted Audio is a virtual instrument startup founded by composers Matteo Pagamici and Michael Künstle and sound engineer Daniel Dettwiler. The project is built on their conviction that sound and instrument design are an essential part of storytelling. Originally conceived for their own composition workflow, the concept behind the instruments is to bring inspiration as soon as the first key is hit. Every step of their process, from sampling, to mixing, to programming, is highly intentional and aimed towards the highest degree of human expressivity.

Matteo and Michael's ability to write scores and create unique sonic universes for films, TV series and advertising is part of what has made them two of the most sought-after composers in Switzerland - which is reflected in the fact that the duo are the featured Swiss composers at this year's Zurich Film Festival's Cinema in Concert gala. Additionally, SoundTrack_Zurich will dedicate a panel to the duo on Friday, October 2, and present Handcrafted Audio at a booth at the entrance of the NZZ Lounge during the conference days.

"In an industry that is wildly oversaturated, Handcrafted Audio has managed to develop libraries that are truly unique. Don't be fooled by the names - their Piano and Mallet instruments take what may seem ordinary on the surface and turn it into sounds that are unexpected and extraordinary. It unleashes levels of creativity that are inspiring." Craig Bauer, mixing engineer & producer (Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake, Wu-Tang Clan).