Discover the Bold and Provocative World of the 78th Locarno Film Festival
The Locarno Film Festival has earned a reputation as a premier platform for showcasing groundbreaking art-house films that challenge norms and provoke thought. In its 78th edition, the festival promises an engaging lineup that reflects the tumultuous state of the world, as described by artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro. This year’s selections delve into the harsh realities of contemporary society, presenting "cinema that unfolds while the world is undergoing violent upheavals, where we witness horrors that were once confined to history books."
Political narratives and films that spark debate are at the forefront of the Locarno78 program. Attendees can expect a rich array of dystopian films, compelling documentaries, and experimental works that invite deep reflection. Notable regions represented in this year’s lineup include Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and the two Koreas, while pressing global issues like Iraq’s nuclear ambitions and climate change are explored through cinematic lenses.
Kicking Off the Festival: A Look at the Opening Film
The festival will commence with Tamara Stepanyan’s thought-provoking film, In the Land of Arto, featuring acclaimed actors Camille Cottin and Zar Amir Ebrahimi. This poignant story dives into the trauma of war experienced by the people of Armenia.
Spotlight on Political and Dystopian Films at Locarno 2025
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Tales of the Wounded Land
- Director: Abbas Fahdel
- Country: Lebanon
- Festival Section: International Competition
- This documentary intimately chronicles the aftermath of the war that ravaged southern Lebanon, capturing the lives of those left behind as they strive to rebuild amidst destruction. Fahdel emphasizes the importance of resilience and humanity in the face of adversity.
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Some Notes on the Current Situation
- Director: Eran Kolirin
- Country: Israel
- Festival Section: Out of Competition
- This philosophical tragicomedy unfolds in six absurdist episodes, offering a unique reflection on Israeli identity amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. Kolirin’s film is a nuanced exploration of space, time, and the human experience.
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With Hasan in Gaza
- Director: Kamal Aljafari
- Countries: Palestine, Germany, France, Qatar
- Festival Section: International Competition
- This film serves as an homage to the people of Gaza, blending documentary and personal narrative. Aljafari’s rediscovery of Mini-DV tapes from 2001 transforms into a powerful exploration of existence amidst catastrophe.
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The Fin
- Director: Syeyoung Park
- Countries: South Korea, Germany, Qatar
- Festival Section: Filmmakers of the Present
- Set in a post-war, ecologically devastated unified Korea, The Fin follows a government worker who begins to question her beliefs as she encounters the marginalized Omega class. This dystopian narrative explores themes of fear and the creation of societal myths.
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The Deal
- Director: Jean-Stéphane Bron
- Countries: Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium
- Festival Section: Out of Competition
- This geopolitical drama takes viewers behind the scenes of the 2015 nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. With a star-studded cast, The Deal offers a timely look at diplomacy and international relations.
- Mare’s Nest
- Director: Ben Rivers
- Countries: United Kingdom, France, Canada
- Festival Section: International Competition
- In this hybrid film, Rivers creates a dystopian world where children navigate a landscape devoid of adults, reflecting the anxieties of our times while maintaining an underlying sense of hope.
As the Locarno Film Festival unfolds, audiences can anticipate a compelling exploration of contemporary issues through the art of film. With its commitment to showcasing powerful narratives, the festival continues to be a vital space for dialogue, reflection, and artistic expression. Join us as we celebrate the transformative power of cinema in these challenging times!
