VANCOUVER, BC — A major milestone for Swiss filmmaking and football culture is arriving in British Columbia just hours before the city takes the global stage.
On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the local Swiss community, European football enthusiasts, media representatives, and Canadians alike will gather for an exclusive, high-profile “Save the Date” viewing event of The Belonging (The Story Between Two Flags).
Sponsored by the Consulate General of Switzerland in Vancouver and proudly supported by Westcoast German News alongside the Swiss Canadian Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), this intimate evening serves as the ultimate community warm-up. It takes place exactly one day before Team Switzerland arrives at BC Place Stadium to face off against Canada in a highly anticipated, monumental match.
Setting the Stage: Who Will Attend?
Organizers are working hard to finalize the guest list for this special evening and expect prominent guests from the football world, as well as Swiss media representatives, to be in attendance. The event is spearheaded by Josias Tschanz, a talented Swiss-Canadian filmmaker and proud SCCC member, who directed the series and is driving the initiative to connect local fans with the wider football community.
Behind the Scenes: A Societally Relevant Portrait of “Two Hearts”
For readers of Westcoast German News, this project represents a major step forward for independent Swiss broadcasting. Co-produced by blue Entertainment and Sky Schweiz, the gripping 4-part documentary series officially launches in Europe on June 3, 2026 (streaming on the Sky App and blue Entertainment) just in time for the World Cup excitement.
The series is produced by the Swiss production company Lomotion, with Josias Tschanz at the helm and Bänz Isler serving as co-director. The creative team also features producers Magdalena Welter and Louis Mataré, alongside executive producers Fabian Stein (Sky Schweiz) and Patrick Gantner (blue Entertainment).
At its core, The Belonging tackles a deeply personal and culturally significant question: “What does it mean to give everything for a country, and still have to prove that you belong?”
The Swiss National Team is famously one of the most diverse squads in international sports. Many of its top players are children of immigrants — raised between two languages, two cuisines, two anthems, and two cultures. Off the pitch, they must navigate public debates about their loyalty. For some, they are heroes; for others, detractors.
“We are very pleased that we were able to realize this project… It is impressive how openly and closely the players let us share in their personal experiences,” says Fabian Stein, Head of Content at Sky Schweiz. “This is not just a sports documentary, but a socially relevant portrait of identity and belonging.”
Meet the Protagonists
The 4-part series (with episodes running roughly 40 minutes each) gets closer to these athletes than ever before. The documentary features an extraordinary lineup of world-class football talent:
- Manuel Akanji Born in Switzerland, Manu will spend the 2025/26 season on loan with Italian side Internazionale. Current Teams are: 2025 (Inter Milan), 2022 (Manchester City F.C.), 2018 (Borussia Dortmund), 2017 (Switzerland).
- Breel Embolo Born in Cameroon, Embolo moved with his mother and siblings to France before finally settling in Switzerland. Current Teams are: Stade Rennais F.C. (#7 / Forward), Switzerland (#7 / Forward)
- Ivan Rakitić Ivan Rakitić, born in Switzerland to Croatian parents on 10 March 1988, is one of the most accomplished midfielders of his generation. Retired from playing, he is now the now Technical Director at Hajduk Split)
- Albian Hajdari Born in Switzerland, he represented that nation at youth and senior international levels, before switching to play for the Kosovo national team in 2025. Current Teams are: Kosovo national football team (#21 / Defender), TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (#21 / Defender)
- Gonçalo Fernandes da Silva Born on March 29, 2008 in Switzerland of Kosovo descent, da Silva is a rising talent known for his shot-stopping reflexes, confident handling, and distribution skills. (Grasshopper Club Zürich) youth goalkeeper prospect, Portuguese citizenship, former Switzerland U16 – defender for German Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim.
Through the lens of young Gonçalo, the series beautifully demonstrates that the complex questions regarding identity and dual nationality face the next generation of athletes just as heavily.
A Must-Attend Event for the Diaspora
With a targeted capacity of 300 Swiss fans, this event is designed for “those in the know” to gather, wave the red-and-white flag, and celebrate a story that extends far beyond the pitch.
As director and organizer Josias Tschanz puts it: “I am truly excited to bring this screening to Vancouver and create something special around it. The Swiss diaspora here — and across Canada — deserves a moment to come together, celebrate our culture, and see their stories reflected on screen. This is for every Swiss person who has ever called two places home.”
Mark your calendars for June 23, 2026. Tickets will be available via Eventbrite through the Consulate General of Switzerland — official registration details and further announcements will follow shortly.
by Elke Porter
604 828 8788
TAGS: TheBelonging #SwissFootball #FIFA2026Vancouver #SwissCanada #WorldCup2026 #SchweizerFussball
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