The Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland to the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain, is pleased to invite you to the screening of the film Bonjour Ticino on the occasion of the Week of the Italian Language in the World.
This special event celebrates the linguistic and cultural diversity that characterizes both Italy and Switzerland, offering an opportunity for reflection on themes of identity, coexistence, and multilingualism through the lens of contemporary cinema.
Date: November 21, 2025 | 6:30PM
Venue: Italian Cultural Institute, Abu Dhabi
RSVP: https://bonshuurticino.splashthat.com
Bonjour Switzerland (2023, Switzerland)
Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Peter Luisi
Duration: 1 hour 28 minutes
Watch the official trailer here.
Synopsis
Bonjour Switzerland (also known as Bon Schuur Ticino) is a satirical comedy that imagines a Switzerland which, following a national referendum, becomes a monolingual country where French is declared the only official language. The story follows Walter Egli, a Swiss-German police officer who is suddenly required to learn French and is sent on a mission to the Canton of Ticino to dismantle a local resistance group. The movement, led by Francesca Gamboni, is determined to defend the linguistic heritage and cultural traditions of Ticino against the newly imposed national order.
With irony and intelligence, the film explores the tensions and richness inherent in multilingual societies, offering a humorous yet thought-provoking perspective on issues of identity, communication, and belonging in today’s globalized world.