Locarno Film Festival Unveils Lineup for 2024

The highly anticipated Locarno Film Festival has announced its official selection for 2024, promising an extraordinary celebration of global cinema. This year’s lineup includes 17 world premieres and features prominent filmmakers such as Hong Sang-soo and Wang Bing, alongside rising talents like Sara Fgaier and Marta Mateus. The festival, set to take place from August 7 to 17, 2024, marks its 77th edition with a diverse array of films and special tributes to renowned industry figures.

A Diverse and Dynamic Selection

Artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro expressed his enthusiasm about this year’s lineup, highlighting its representation of contemporary filmmaking. “We are very excited and happy with our selection, which we believe represents the best of contemporary filmmaking. We have taken special care in highlighting those works that, while broadening the possibilities of cinema, are also consciously trying to spark a more meaningful conversation with the audience,” stated Nazzaro. He emphasized that the festival aims to be a platform for intersectional dialogue, showcasing films that resonate with many audiences.

Among the official selection, notable entries include Hong Sang-soo‘s “By the Stream” and Wang Bing‘s “Youth (Hard Times),” both of which will vie for top honours. Italy’s representation is strong with Sara Fgaier‘s “Sulla Terra Leggeri” and “Luce,” directed by Silvia Luzi and Luca Bellino. Other exciting premieres include Ala Eddine Slim‘s “Agora,” Ben Rivers‘ “Bogancloch,” Virgil Vernier‘s “Cent Mille Milliards,” and Saulė Bliuvaitė‘s “Toxic.”

Special Tributes and Awards

This year’s festival will honour several distinguished personalities with prestigious awards. Mélanie Laurent and Guillaume Canet will receive the Excellence Awards Davide Campari, acknowledging their extraordinary careers. Artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro praised their contributions: “Mélanie Laurent and Guillaume Canet have forged personal and identifiable acting paths for themselves over the years. Working in the service of a French and European tradition of an auteur cinema that often intersects with the reasons of a cultured popular cinema, the two performers have shown extraordinary sensitivity in the composition of their roles, thus giving rise to artistic, personal trajectories that are appreciated by audiences.”

The festival will also celebrate Jane Campion with the Pardo d’Onore Manor for her outstanding contributions to cinema. Campion will present her beloved masterpiece, “The Piano.” Producer Stacey Sher will receive the Raimondo Rezzonico Award, actor Irène Jacob will be honoured with the Leopard Club Award, and Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan will receive the Pardo all Carriera Ascona-Locarno Tourism Award. Additionally, Ben Burtt will be awarded the Vision Award Ticinomoda, and Claude Barras will be recognized with the Locarno Kids Award la Mobiliare.

Piazza Grande Premieres

The Piazza Grande section will feature six world premieres among its 18 titles, including Simon Jaquemet‘s “Electric Child,” Gianluca Jodice‘s “Le Déluge,” and César Díaz‘s “Mexico 86.” Notably, Paz Vega‘s directorial debut “Rita” will premiere alongside restored versions of classics such as Tarsem Singh‘s “The Fall (Restored Cut)” and Jean-Luc Godard‘s “Une Femme Est Une Femme.”

A Festival for the Future of Cinema

Locarno Film Festival continues to evolve as a beacon for transformative thinking in the cinematic world. President Maja Hoffmann emphasized the festival’s nurturing of new ideas and talents. “My belief and role as President are to help in the creation of platforms that nourish novel ideas and develop new thinking. Locarno has always been the cradle in which vital narratives are born, and it has, over a long history, opened the world to important voices in cinema and experimental approaches to creating films and experiences,” Hoffmann said.

Chief Operating Officer Raphaël Brunschwig highlighted the festival’s commitment to innovation and the broader cultural context. “For 11 days in August, Locarno transforms itself into a unique site of intensification – what an impressive concentration of relationships, of stimuli, of ideas! Dialogue and exchange rule the day, connecting different generations and providing the fertile soil from which the future of cinema can grow,” Brunschwig noted.

The 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival promises to be a remarkable event, showcasing a vibrant mix of established auteurs and emerging filmmakers. As Giona A. Nazzaro aptly put it, the festival’s mission is to remain a “platform for intersectional dialogue,” showcasing films that challenge and engage audiences. This year’s edition promises various genres and styles, ensuring something for every cinema lover.