From Harbin to Zurich: Philippine Curling Team’s Unlikely Journey Captivates Zurich Film Festival

ZURICH, Switzerland — They didn’t qualify for the Olympics. But their journey still took them to gold—and now, to the big screen in Zurich.

The incredible story of the Philippine Men’s Curling Team received a warm reception at the Zurich Film Festival, where LONG SHOT: A Filipino Curling Tale brought their story of friendship, sacrifice, perseverance and an Olympic dream to audiences in Switzerland.

Directed by Swiss filmmaker Daniel Schifferli, the documentary received a standing ovation lasting several minutes after the screening.

The Philippine team made the country proud with their gold-medal victory at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin last year. LONG SHOT offers a closer look at how this unlikely group of athletes came together and pursued a dream few would have expected.

Schifferli, a former curler, said working with the Philippine team was a dream come true, describing it as the “perfect underdog story.”

The film introduces the people behind the team: skip Marc Pfister, a bricklayer; his brother vice-skip Enrico, an electrician; and second lead Christian Haller, a banker and curling enthusiast. The team’s lead, entrepreneur and film producer Alan Frei found curling while trying to change his life, become healthier and pursue his Olympic dream. Filipino-Canadian Brayden Carpenter also became part of the team, taking turns with Alan in representing the Philippines.

The Philippine Men’s Curling Team also walked the green carpet at the Zurich Film Festival, meeting members of the media and sharing more about their journey.

Among those who came to support the team was Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland His Excellency Bernard Faustino Dy, together with officials from the Philippine Embassy in Bern.

Speaking to TFCN Switzerland, Ambassador Dy said the story goes far beyond winning a gold medal:

“This story is not only about winning a gold medal. But the story of perseverance, the struggles, efforts and patience… I am so proud na meron tayo ng mga ganitong stories that inspires hope… I hope and pray na mapapanood natin ito ng sambayanang Pilipino,” he said.

He also said the Philippine Embassy is ready to assist in coordinating with the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine cinemas and other relevant agencies to explore ways of bringing LONG SHOT to Filipino audiences, either in cinemas or through streaming platforms.

The ambassador also encouraged Filipino filmmakers to use international film festivals, including those in Switzerland, as platforms for bringing Filipino stories to audiences around the world.

From the ice in Harbin to the big screen in Zurich, the team’s journey continues to reach people far beyond the curling rink. A long shot that keeps going.

The Zurich Film Festival ran from 24 September to 4 October 2026.