Locarno Film Festival 2024: Poster, Honors and Restored Classics

The iconic Locarno Film Festival has unveiled a series of thrilling announcements for its 77th edition, which will take place from August 7 to 17, 2024, in the stunning Swiss town on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Cinema lovers and industry elite are buzzing with anticipation over the star-studded lineup, special events, and restored classics set to make this year’s Festival an unforgettable experience.

Legendary Photographer Annie Leibovitz Designs Official Poster

In a major coup for Locarno77, world-renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz created this year’s official festival poster exclusively. Leibovitz’s masterful image features a powerful leopard standing gracefully on the boulders of Lake Maggiore, perfectly embodying the Festival’s leopard emblem set against the dramatic Swiss Alps. With her unparalleled ability to capture the essence of prominent figures like John Lennon, Queen Elizabeth II, and Barack Obama, Leibovitz’s artistic vision makes this an extraordinary visual centrepiece.

“My Life as a Zucchini” Director Claude Barras Receives Locarno Kids Honor

The acclaimed Swiss animator Claude Barras, whose beloved stop-motion film “My Life as a Zucchini” captured hearts worldwide, will be honoured with the prestigious Locarno Kids Award la Mobiliaire. This special prize celebrates storytellers who inspire a passion for cinema in younger audiences. Barras’ highly anticipated new animated feature, “Sauvages,” a tale about an orangutan fighting to protect the forests of Borneo, will have its Swiss premiere on the iconic Piazza Grande. A true master of his craft, Barras’ socially conscious yet wildly entertaining films make him a deserving recipient.

Visionary Jessica Hausner to Lead Main Competition Jury

Internationally renowned Austrian auteur Jessica Hausner, director of distinctive visionary works like “Lourdes,” “Little Joe,” and Cannes 2023 entry “Club Zero,” has been tapped as jury president for the Festival’s main Concorso Internazionale competition. Hausner’s restless, boundary-pushing approach to exploring complex human experiences makes her an electrifying choice to oversee the coveted Pardo d’Oro (Golden Leopard) award for best film. With her artistic daring, Hausner will surely lead the jury in championing bold, avant-garde visions.

Cinematic Gems Restored for Official Selection

True cinema connoisseurs are in for a treat, as Locarno77 has confirmed the inclusion of two newly restored classics in its official selection. The 1992 Berlinale Silver Bear winner “Samba Traoré” by trailblazing Burkinabé director Idrissa Ouédraogo and the Swiss-French arthouse favourite “Repérages” (Faces of Love) from 1977, starring icons Delphine Seyrig and Jean-Louis Trintignant, will give audiences an unmissable opportunity to experience these influential works of cinema history in pristine, revitalized form.

With its idyllic lakeside setting, world-class film programming, star-studded red carpet events, and steadfast commitment to nurturing artistic expression and bold visions, the 77th Locarno Film Festival is shaping to be a true feast for cinephiles.

Mark your calendars for this prestigious international celebration of the cinema arts from August 7-17, 2024.