[Please note: This event has ended.]
[Updated May 12, 2024 to include my review of the film.]
In multilingual Switzerland, there are four official languages (German, French, Italian, and Romansh).
But what if they changed the rules and made everyone speak only French? Would you say Oui à une seule langue nationale (Yes to a single national language)?
That’s the premise of Bonjour Switzerland (German title: Bon Schuur Ticino; Italian title: Ciao-Ciao Bourbine), the 2023 Swiss-Italian comedy by Peter Luisi. It will be screened in the San Francisco Bay Area from May 10-12, 15-16, 2024 at the Orinda Theatre and on May 18, 2024 at the Jarvis Conservatory in Napa Valley as part of the annual International Film Showcase.
Synopsis
From Spotlight Media Productions: A crazy referendum throws Switzerland into a chaotic state of emergency. The initiative “NO BILINGUE” demands that there should be only one national language. Many citizens are therefore having a crisis among the German and Italian speakers in the canton of Ticino (French: Tessin). Walter works for the Federal Police and has to make sure that the transition to one language goes as planned. Together with his partner Jonas, he has to uncover a resistance group that is fighting against the transition with all means possible.
Watch the Trailer
🎟️🍿For showtimes and ticket information, visit: Bonjour Switzerland – International Film Showcase (May 10-12, 15-16, 2024 at the Orinda Theatre and May 18, 2024 at the Jarvis Conservatory in Napa Valley.)
How to get to Orinda Theatre by BART
Instead of driving, we took BART to Orinda Station and turned right onto the walkway to the theatre. It was a convenient and relaxing way to get to the theatre. The box office didn’t open until 15 minutes before the first film’s showtime, so we had about 90 minutes to spare. We decided to have burritos at one of the restaurants in the plaza.
My Review
The movie was funny and the ending surprised me, but it was a happy one (not tragic, like those French endings!) All four official languages of Switzerland (German, French, Italian, and Romansh) were spoken in the film, but when you add English subtitles, that’s four too many languages for my ears, eyes, and brain to process. I was not prepared for the sensory overload. Overall, the film was entertaining and not overly political. There’s even a small romantic subplot. It made me think if a similar referendum were to be passed here in the U.S., which one of the hundreds of languages spoken in the U.S. would I choose to be the only one? I’m a Francophile – can you take a wild guess which langue I’d choose? 😉
About the International Film Showcase
The International Film Showcase, an arm of the Lamorinda Film and Entertainment Foundation (LFEF), began in January 2011 presenting (for one week a month) a local area premiere of an acclaimed international film not available on home media or television. 🎞 Visit the International Film Showcase website for tickets and showtimes.
Bonjour: A Francophile Blog 
Interesting concept! Especially for a country that’s been multilingual forever, it’d be fascinating to see if it became a unilingual society…I’d anticipate a lot of backlash! Thanks for sharing this film with us, Darlene 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Rebecca! I recently learned that English is not the official language of the US, only the most commonly used/spoken in the US. So I find it fascinating that Switzerland has, not one but four official languages. The movie trailer seems to suggest a huge resistance to the fictional “French only” mandate, but in a humorous way. It will be interesting to see how the movie plays out. 🎞️🍿
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having been to Switzerland a few times, predominately but not exclusively, to the French speaking area, I think I’d enjoy this film. I’ll add it to my list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello June, I would love to visit Switzerland as I’ve heard many great things. I need ideas and I’m curious: what are some things you’ve enjoyed during your visits? I think this film will be a fun one to watch based on the trailer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
To be honest, it’s some years since I visited Switzerland, and once was taking a group of students skiing! I do remember the country being very clean and very expensive. I would like to visit again if I have the opportunity.
LikeLiked by 1 person