A Happy Family: Swiss Social Drama Premiering at Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
Spain’s Bendita Film Sales has acquired the international sales rights for the debut feature film A Happy Family, directed by Swiss filmmaker Jan-Eric Mack. The movie is set to premiere at the upcoming Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Crystal Globe Competition, making it the first Swiss production to be featured in the main competition. A Happy Family is a social drama with thriller elements that delves into the themes of poverty and social inequality in Switzerland, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by single mothers. The story follows a woman juggling two jobs and struggling to make ends meet for her two children. When a fire disrupts her life and her children are placed in foster care, she takes drastic measures to stay connected to them, risking everything in the process. The film stars Anna Schinz, Julia Jentsch, Bettina Stucky, Michael Neuenschwander, and Martina Apostolova, with Mack and Schinz serving as co-writers. Produced by Martin Joss and Peter Reichenbach, in collaboration with C-FILMS AG Production and DCM, the film has received support from various Swiss film organizations and commissions. A Happy Family was also recognized at the Les Arcs Film Festival's 2025 Work In Progress Selection, where it received the music award. Luis Renart, CEO of Bendita Film Sales, praised the film for its emotional depth and engaging storytelling, highlighting Mack's ability to address complex social issues with nuance and suspense. Mack, known for his award-winning short films like Facing Mecca, which won the Student Oscar and Swiss Film Award, brings his expertise to his feature debut with A Happy Family. His previous work includes the historical spy series Davos 1917, which premiered at the Zurich Film Festival and aired on various networks. With its powerful narrative and strong performances, A Happy Family promises to captivate audiences with its poignant exploration of family, sacrifice, and resilience.