Behind this name stands a group of people interested in art and film, and they made a dream become true…
“Culture” in a mountain valley governed by farming and tourism, oscillates between folkloristic activities and touristically important big events. Between these poles it is difficult for modern art, off mainstream and commerce, to make a stand. But they exist, the small oasis in the mountain desert: There is an active scene of artists around the former galerie wandelbar and the present gallery simple, www.simplegallery.ch. Also for more than 10 years the Filmpodium Saanenland has been organising screenings of less known studio films. And the dream was to connect both and to start a festival for films produced by artists.
Gstaad is connected with many famous names from the world of film – Roman Polanski, Roger Moore, Julie Andrews among others – and so the place was ideal for a film festival. With the cinema of the Grand Hotel Bellevue we found the place corresponding perfectly to our dreams - the red carpet included… It was clear that we had to start small, because the sponsoring money flows elsewhere. But with a lot of enthusiasm and goodwill from all sides the 1st International Short Film Festival for Artist films and the competition for the Golden Cow of Gstaad took place in March 2004 – a small but fine event and a great experience for all persons involved.