THE MINDSETTERS
THE MINDSETTERS
THE MINDSETTERS
THE MINDSETTERS
A FEATURE FILM BY SANDRA DE VITO & GERRY HOFSTETTER
Trailer (2026)
THE MINDSETTERS brings together civic education, Swiss history, and personal career portraits in a feature film about attitude, responsibility, and the future. At its heart are young people and the question of how education, democratic values, and social awareness can be made tangible in a new way.
The film shows how knowledge, curiosity, and dialogue can shape the mindset of a new generation and invites viewers to rediscover their own role in a living democracy.
“Hey, but if it works … then you’re sitting in the cockpit and flying a plane.”
ELINA PIESBERGEN
HISTORY IS MORE THAN THE PAST: IT IS STRENGTH. IDENTITY. FUTURE.
THE MINDSETTERS is a documentary road movie and a journey to the foundations of a living democracy. Young people and professionals set out in search of the roots of the values that shape Switzerland: freedom, equality, participation, education, and responsibility. The feature documentary connects history with the present, personal perspectives with social questions, and civic education with the power of informed citizens. It shows that democracy is not abstract. It lives wherever people seek knowledge, take responsibility, and are willing to help shape their future. Because personal responsibility requires knowledge — and this is where the true significance of education begins.
Runtime: 90 min | Age rating: 8+ | Documentary | Directed by Sandra De Vito & Gerry Hofstetter | Produced by Plan S Productions | Switzerland 2026
FROM IDEA TO THE BIG SCREEN
Sometimes, a defining moment begins with a train journey through the snow. When Sandra De Vito travelled to Wil in January 2026 to meet the film distributor Jay, it was still uncertain whether and how THE MINDSETTERS would make its way to cinemas. An idea became a goal. A goal became reality.
After three years of development, filming, conversations, and countless encounters, THE MINDSETTERS now celebrates its premiere where films unfold their full impact: on the big screen, together with an audience.
More than 130 people contributed to turning a vision into a Swiss feature documentary. THE MINDSETTERS is therefore not only a film about attitude, values, and the future. It is also an example of what can emerge when many people believe in an idea and make it possible together.
THE MINDSETTERS IS PART OF THE CANTON OF ZURICH’S DEMOCRACY WEEK 2026
The Department of Justice and Home Affairs, Participation Division, has included the film in the official programme. Around the International Day of Democracy, events will take place at Zurich City Hall from 14 to 18 September 2026, showing the many ways in which political participation can be lived and experienced through panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions and other formats. We are delighted that THE MINDSETTERS is part of this week and can contribute to dialogue, civic education and democratic awareness.
