For Switzerland, Betty Bossi is sort of a mother of the nation. She first appeared in 1956 as the embodiment of a witty and, above all, “perfect” housewife. She is the author of countless cookbooks and the dispenser of endless advice on housekeeping. It's rare for a Swiss household not to have at least a small collection of these publications. With the advent of the internet, most of them became available in digital form.

Betty Bossi is a good indicator of how the flavours of Switzerland – and with them, its society – have developed over the decades. Meals based on her recipes are produced and sold in supermarkets. But, fun fact: even in Switzerland, a lot of people don't know that she is completely made up, a fictional character. It was originally a cooking-oil producer that invented Betty Bossi, with the aim being to use her as a brand ambassador. Her ascent was made possible in collaboration with one of the two biggest supermarket chains in the country.

And now, a new film by Swiss director Pierre Monnard is dedicated to her. For Hallo Betty, he is once again working with scriptwriter André Küttel and actress Sarah Spale. The trio are working together again after the drama Needle Park Baby [+lire aussi :
critique
bande-annonce
fiche film], which was particularly successful in the Swiss market. Monnard has certainly been one of the most prominent figures in the country’s film industry of late. He has been able to make several series with ambitious concepts. Neumatt [+lire aussi :
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fiche série] (licensed to Netflix), Hors-Season and, more recently, Winter Palace, which is the first official cooperation between Netflix and Switzerland on a premium series, are just some of these projects.

Swiss actress Sarah Spale (The Neighbours from Upstairs, Of Fish and Men [+lire aussi :
critique
bande-annonce
fiche film]) will play the role of Emmi Creola, the ad writer who invented Betty Bossi. The male protagonist flanking her will be played by Swiss actor Martin Vischer (Golden Years [+lire aussi :
bande-annonce
fiche film]). Shooting for the film is under way. It will take place in Zurich and the surrounding areas until the beginning of March. In Winterthur, a former office building will be used to recreate the 1950s setting of the story.

Hallo Betty is a production by C-Films AG in co-production with national TV channels SRF and SRG SSR. The film will be released in cinemas at the end of 2025. Its broadcast on television and on SRG SSR's online platform is planned for 2027.