Laughter Is Serious Work:
The VIFFF Unveils Its Programme
From 21 to 25 October, VIFFF brings the best of international comedy to Vevey: 97 events, 48 feature films including 21 premieres, 23 short films and films from 26 countries!
Always laughing, yes. Never working, not quite… This year, our “Funny Business” focus explores the place of work in our lives, at a time when artificial intelligence is reshuffling the deck. From the assembly line to the call centre, comedy has never stopped observing the changes and absurdities of the working world to confront us with them. Nicolas & Bruno, whose fictional company, COGIP, runs throughout their filmography, will take this reflection further in a quirky masterclass in the form of a company meeting.
Making people laugh is a profession too, and our guest of honour, Gérard Jugnot, has been practising it brilliantly for more than fifty years. An iconic figure of French comedy, he will present five of his films, including his latest, Mauvaise pioche (2026), and give a masterclass dedicated to his career and his approach to comedy.
The International Competition, VIFFF Explore, the Midnighters, CHCHCH: Swiss Comedies, Mini vifff: Young Audiences, a selection of short films and a tribute to the late Rob Reiner round out the programme, offering a panorama that reflects the variety and richness of the genre. As for the venues, the Open Air moves from the Place du Marché to the Jardin du Rivage – seven screenings, still completely free! – and on Saturday, the festival takes over Vevey’s new Petit Reflet cinema.
But the VIFFF is also a lot of work! Behind every screening are months of preparation and a dedicated team, supported by our volunteers and partners. For all of this, a huge thank you.
And now, dear audience, it’s time to laugh. Sharing a laugh with a whole cinema is an experience no algorithm can replace. We can’t wait to see you in large numbers!
Loïs de Goumoëns & Maryke Oosterhoff
Co-directors of the VIFFF
