Chris the Swiss (2018)

In the tumultuous throes of war, a young Swiss reporter, Christian "Chris" Würtenberg, is lured by the allure of conflict. The story, woven with delicacy and poignancy in "Chris the Swiss" (2018), follows Chris' journey from his army training in Namibia to the heart of the Balkan war. Here, he finds himself affiliated with the PIV, a group of fervent activists who ultimately become part of the Croatian army, fighting against the Serbs. Despite his immersion, Chris remains a war outsider, his life tragically cut short before he could pen the book he intended on the war's gruesome reality. Chris, or "the Swiss" as his fellow fighters called him, becomes an emblem of war's indiscriminate hold. Fast forward 25 years, and enter Anja Kofmel, Chris' cousin and the film's director. She embarks on a poignant journey back to the war sites, interviewing those who once knew Chris, seeking answers, and exploring the enigma of his life. Her quest is beautifully punctuated with haunting animation scenes that lay bare the horrors of war, not only for the soldiers but also for the civilians caught in the crossfire. In this war-torn landscape, the distinction between good and bad blurs, with both sides implicated in war crimes. Anja's pursuit of the truth takes a turn when she uncovers the mystery of Chris' fate. Found in Croatia on the 7th of January 1992, dressed in the uniform of an international mercenary group, Chris' story begins to unravel. His naive investigation into the convoluted motivations behind wartime actions forms the backbone of the narrative. Director Anja Kofmel masterfully blends archival footage, live interviews, and animation in this hybrid film. "Chris the Swiss" is as much a tribute to Chris' life as it is an exploration of war and its far-reaching effects. It is a hauntingly beautiful journey into the heart of a war and the soul of a man forever marked by it.

Chris the Swiss is an animation movie featuring Joel Basman and directed by Anja Kofmel.

Chris the Swiss is currently streaming on DocAlliance Films.

It is also possible to rent Chris the Swiss on DocAlliance Films.