Films and fine watchmaking have much in common: both are based on long traditions, both draw on pioneering spirit, and both use expertise and creativity to generate a continuous stream of new masterpieces.
With a passion for filmmaking demonstrated through its support of international film festivals in New York, Beijing, Zurich, London and Dubai, IWC believes the bonds between the worlds of watchmaking and filmmaking are strong.
Apart from these commitments, the company has maintained close relations over the years with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including well-known actors such as Cate Blanchett, Sir Patrick Stewart, Rosamund Pike, Dev Patel, Zhou Xun and James Marsden, or director Marc Forster.
IWC watches have already featured in countless movies and U.S. TV series. More specifically, the main characters in the thriller Wall Street, box-office smash Ocean’s Thirteen, action comedy RED, and espionage-thriller The Bourne Legacy have all sported watches made in Schaffhausen. They are equally popular with the lead actors in the American TV series Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice and The Good Wife.
Several years ago, with the express aim of promoting up-and-coming filmmakers, IWC founded the IWC Filmmaker Award to promote the vision of storytellers of all genres whose work demonstrates that they have gone beyond mere filmmaking. With meticulous attention to detail, they make use of unconventional, often signature, techniques to manipulate the medium and create an unforgettable sensory experience for their audiences. IWC presents the award as part of its commitment to the film festivals.
BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL
London – October
The British Film Institute (BFI) combines various cultural, creative and industrial roles, bringing together the BFI National Archive and BFI Reuben Library, film distribution, exhibition and education at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX, publishing and festivals. The BFI is a charity governed by Royal Charter.
The BFI was founded in 1933. As the leading body for film in the UK, the BFI maintains a number of creative, strategic and funding relationships with industry and key stakeholders, investing in education and audiences, filmmaking and film heritage.
IWC made its first appearance as sponsor at the 2014 BFI London Film Festival. IWC Schaffhausen is a partner of the BFI and, jointly with American Express®, partnered the BFI London Film Festival in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
THE ZURICH FILM FESTIVAL
Zurich – September
The aim of the Zurich Film Festival (ZFF) is to offer audiences an insight into the work of the most promising filmmakers from around the globe and to promote the exchange of ideas between established film workers, creative talent and the public. Emerging directors have an opportunity to gain publicity for their work throughout the entire German-speaking market. Participants come from all over the world and include both rising and renowned filmmakers as well as buyers, sellers, distributors, media professionals and industry leaders.
The ZFF was inaugurated in October 2005 and soon established a firm place for itself on the national and international film festival scene. The festival continues to grow rapidly. In 2014, about 79,000 visitors and more than 500 accredited journalists attended the screenings.
IWC’s first joint venture with the ZFF was the 2014 event, which coincided with the Festival’s tenth anniversary.
Toronto International Film Festival
Toronto - September
In 2017, IWC and the Toronto International Film Festival®(TIFF) announced a new partnership to strengthen TIFF’s ongoing mission of presenting the best international and Canadian cinema to film lovers. In 2017, IWC is proud to be the presenting sponsor of TIFF’s Short Cuts Award for Best Short Film, featuring 59 short films in 16 different languages from over 30 countries.
Founded over 40 years ago, the Toronto International Film Festival has gone on to become one of the world’s most important publicly attended film festival and grown to embrace programming 365 days a year.
® Toronto International Film Festival Inc., used under license.
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Sustainability
IWC is committed to corporate social responsibility and has issued the industry's first sustainability report. Read more about our corporate values.
Laureus
IWC Schaffhausen is one of the main sponsors of the Laureus Sport for Good, an organization that brings together top-flight sport and social commitment at a high level.
Partnerships
In addition to ensuring responsible business practices, IWC Schaffhausen promotes positive impact through the work of our partner organizations.