Locarno Film Festival

Locarno, Switzerland

ABOUT THE LOCARNO FILM FESTIVAL

Locarno Film Festival was born in the aftermath of the Second World War. It offered a stage for revival, freedom of art and expression for talents from all over the world eager to tell stories in new, different ways. Since its inception, Locarno has been home to the most daring, avant-garde, irreverent and innovative forms of films – screened in their uncut, uncensored versions.

Why do we do this? And why does it matter?

Cinema is complete art capable of influencing a life, shifting a way of thinking. It hits you with intense emotions and truth. It brings to life human complexity, extraordinary or devastating stories, testimonies from another continent that reshape our participation in the world.

Every year since 1946, we present international independent films carefully selected to inspire you, to surprise you, to make you question assumptions, to open your mind, to push you. By showing films at the cutting edge, we nurture bold talents as well as creativity; we share authentic, powerful stories; we enable films to get made and careers to be launched. We write important chapters in film history and we shape the future of cinema.

What makes Locarno different from other film festivals?

When the Locarno Film Festival was launched, we chose to emphasize accessibility to all, to focus on quality, integrity, independence, and to champion films that enrich culture, art, and society. By standing our ground ever since, we have earned the attention and respect of both the international film community and the industry. Our film selections are guarantees of excellence.

There is no hierarchy, instead talents, industry professionals, film students, local personalities, staff, and the audience are invited to mingle, and share in a collective experience. Our red carpet is barrier-free, there are no VIP-only zones; open access to all. You see the films you want to see, you meet people, you discover.

What can I expect at Locarno?

Locarno Film Festival is an adventure. It is a pilgrimage to an ephemeral world entirely dedicated to film, art, and imagination. Nestled in the mountains beside a lake, our remote Swiss-Italian town fully dons the festival colors – the Leopard’s black and yellow – for an intense 11-day celebration of cinema. The festival offers over 450 screenings, talks, events, conferences, concerts, art exhibitions, parties (and so much more!), all located within a walk, a short bike ride or a short bus trip from each other.

Every evening, 8,000 people gather on the Piazza Grande, Europe’s largest outdoor film venue, to watch film premieres under the stars on a massive screen. Thousands of film lovers all gasping in the same breath, laughing at the same joke, sobbing at a character’s misfortune… This ultimate experience of cinema is extraordinary and impossible to replicate anywhere else.

What we care about?

• Showing the best quality of independent film and audiovisual art.
• Being a place of discovery, exchange, discussion, creativity, integrity, and freedom.
• Leading an on-going conversation on the future of cinema and the overall audiovisual landscape.
• Training young professionals and creatives who feel the urge to bring a story to life
• Growing the most knowledgeable community of independent filmmakers, film critics, industry professionals, and cinephiles throughout the year.
• Educating and sharing with the audiences of tomorrow.

And most importantly: YOU. Film lovers. Our audience. We strive to help you appreciate the value of being challenged, of expanding your worldview, and of being inspired. We are convinced that the remarkable films we bring to Locarno from all five continents encourage a crucial understanding between cultures and between humans. For a better future.

DEADLINES & FEES

Opening Submission Date
TBA

Notification Date
TBA

Event Date
August 7 – 17, 2024

 
Visit the Locarno Film Festival website for more information.