Prepare yourself for Dracula, a film that features the posthumous involvement of legendary filmmaker David Lynch, elements reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, this year’s Cannes winner It Was Just an Accident, and more, as the 78th edition of the Locarno International Film Festival revealed its lineup on Tuesday. Radu Jude’s Dracula will have its world premiere in the festival’s competitive section, while Duwayne Dunham (known for Return of the Jedi, Twin Peaks, and Blue Velvet) will debut Legend of the Happy Worker, co-produced by Lynch, outside of the competition.
The Locarno event, running from August 6th to 16th, will also showcase the newest creations by filmmakers such as Abdelletif Kechiche, Vincent Grashaw, Sho Miyake, Ben Rivers, and Rosanne Pel, along with several others.
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During August 6-16, Locarno will display fresh works by filmmakers including Abdelletif Kechiche, Vincent Grashaw, Sho Miyake, Ben Rivers, and Rosanne Pel, as well as a number of other talented individuals.
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the Locarno’s Concorso Cineasti del Presente sidebar, a platform highlighting emerging filmmakers and their initial or second works, has some captivating titles lined up for us this year! Among these promising projects is the coming-of-drama “Fantasy,” directed by the talented music video and short film director Kukla. Another noteworthy addition to the list is “Olivia,” a compelling drama brought to us by Sofía Petersen. I can’t wait to experience the magic of these films on the big screen!
During this season, some highly-acclaimed films and classics will be shown in Locarno’s primary Piazza Grande area, which is located on the town’s central square equipped with 8,000 seats. Among the films screened there are Jafar Panahi’s winner of the Cannes 2025 award and “Testa O Croce?” (Heads or Tails?) by Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis, featuring John C. Reilly as Buffalo Bill.
In summary, the festival will showcase 221 films, with 99 being world premieres. Giona A. Nazzaro, the artistic director of Locarno, expressed that these films embody what is vibrant, essential, and bold within modern cinema today. He described this year’s cinema as being completely in the present tense, free from any nostalgia, and moving towards an open, dynamic, inclusive future. The cinema will be playful and daring, taking risks, but it won’t forget to bring laughter and smiles, while also questioning history in various ways.
Title Announcement Press Kit for Nazarro: “Let’s reclaim the world one movie at a time”
Additional Comment by Nazarro: “Constructing the Locarno Film Festival program involves interacting with the vibrant essence of modern cinema. A cinema that evolves amidst global turmoil, as we bear witness to real-life horrors that were once confined to history books and archival footage. The question becomes straightforward yet starkly unavoidable: where does cinema stand when the flood of images is relentless and inescapable?
His statement can be rephrased as follows: “We can recover the world (and perhaps bring peace) by releasing one thought-provoking movie at a time. For the 78th edition of the festival, we are showcasing a cinema that confronts reality yet maintains an optimistic outlook on life’s absurdities. This cinema is adventurous, imaginative, and daring, capable of stirring emotions while making us laugh at our own foibles. It’s a cinema that embraces the world with determination.
At the upcoming Locarno event next month, Jackie Chan is set to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, Emma Thompson will be bestowed with the Leopard Club Award, and Lucy Liu will be honored for her career accomplishments.
Take a look at the upcoming lineup for the main feature competition and other significant segments of the Locarno Film Festival, which were revealed on Tuesday. Here it is:
Discover the schedule for the main feature competition and other crucial sections of the Locarno Film Festival that were recently disclosed on Tuesday.
Let’s have a peek at what’s in store for the main feature competition and key sections of the Locarno Film Festival, as announced on Tuesday.
Concorso Internazionale Program (competition lineup)
Premiering in 2025, “The Seasons” by Maureen Fazendeiro will have its world debut in Portugal, France, Spain, and Austria.
Premiere of “Bog Neće Pomoći” (God Will Not Help) by Hana Jušić is scheduled for 2025 in Croatia, Italy, Romania, Greece, France, and Slovenia. This film will have its world debut there.
Donkey Days by Rosanne Pel – Netherlands, Germany – 2025
World premiere
Dracula by Radu Jude – Romania, Austria, Luxembourg – 2025
World premiere
Dry Leaf by Alexandre Koberidze – Germany, Georgia – 2025
World premiere
The film titled “Le Bambine” (Mosquitoes) by Valentina Bertani and Nicole Bertani is set to have its world premiere in the years 2025, representing collaborations among Italy, Switzerland, and France.
Le Lac by Fabrice Aragno – Switzerland – 2025
World premiere
Linije Želje” (Desire Lines) by Danilo Komljen – Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Netherlands, Croatia, Germany – World Premiere in 2025
The debut of the film titled “Linije Želje” (Desire Lines) by Danilo Komljen is scheduled for 2025 and will be premiered across Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Netherlands, Croatia, and Germany.
Mare’s Nest by Ben Rivers – United Kingdom, France, Canada – 2025
World premiere
Mektoub, My Love: Canto Due by Abdellatif Kechiche – France – 2025
World premiere
Sehnsucht in Sangerhausen (Phantoms of July) by Julian Radlmaier –
Germany – 2025
World premiere
Solomamma by Janicke Askevold – Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Finland –
2025
World premiere
Sorella Di Clausura by Ivana Mladenović – Romania, Serbia, Italy, Spain – 2025
World premiere
Tabi to Hibi (Two Seasons, Two Strangers) by Sho Miyake – Japan – 2025
World premiere
Tales of the Wounded Land by Abbas Fahdel – Lebanon – 2025
World premiere
White Snail by Elsa Kremser, Levin Peter – Austria, Germany – 2025
World premiere
With Hasan in Gaza by Kamal Aljafari – Palestine, Germany, France, Qatar – 2025
World premiere
Fuori Concorso Program (out-of-competition lineup)
1. Bobò by Pippo Delbono – Italy, 2025 (World premiere)
– Debut film “Bobo” directed by Pippo Delbono in Italy, set to release in 2025 with its world premiere.
2. Deathstalker by Steven Kostanski – Canada, 2025 (World premiere)
– Upcoming film “Deathstalker” directed by Steven Kostanski from Canada, scheduled for release in 2025 and making its world debut.
3. E by Anna Eriksson – Finland, 2025 (World premiere)
– Forthcoming film “E” directed by Anna Eriksson in Finland, slated for a 2025 release with a world premiere.
4. Exile by Mehdi Hmili – Tunisia, Luxembourg, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, 2025 (World premiere)
– Multi-national co-production “Exile” directed by Mehdi Hmili with contributions from Tunisia, Luxembourg, France, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, set to be released in 2025 with a world premiere.
5. I Live Here Now by Julie Pacino – USA, 2025 (European premiere)
– “I Live Here Now” directed by Julie Pacino from the United States is scheduled for release in 2025 and will have its European premiere.
6. Il Vangelo die Giuda (Judas’ Gospel) by Giulio Base – Italy, Poland – 2025 (World premiere)
– “The Gospel of Judas” directed by Giulio Base in a collaboration between Italy and Poland is set to be released in 2025 with its world premiere.
7. Keep Quiet by Vincent Grashaw – USA, 2025 (World premiere)
– “Keep Quiet” directed by Vincent Grashaw from the United States is scheduled for release in 2025 and will have its world premiere.
8. Kerouac’s road: the beat of a nation by Ebs Burnough – United Kingdom, USA, 2025 (International premiere)
– “Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation” directed by Ebs Burnough in collaboration with both the United Kingdom and the USA is set to be released in 2025 and will have an international premiere.
9. Le Chantier by Jean-Stéphane Bron – France, Switzerland, 2025 (World premiere)
– “The Construction Site” directed by Jean-Stéphane Bron in a collaboration between France and Switzerland is set to be released in 2025 with its world premiere.
10. Legend of the Happy Worker by Duwayne Dunham – USA, 2025 (World premiere)
– “The Legend of the Happy Worker” directed by Duwayne Dunham from the United States is scheduled for release in 2025 and will have its world premiere.
In 2025, we have the world premieres of several films:
1. Nova ’78 by Aaron Brookner and Rodrigo Areias – United Kingdom, Portugal
2. Silence by Eduardo Casanova – Spain
3. Some Notes on the Current Situation by Eran Kolirin – Israel
4. The Deal by Jean-Stéphane Bron – Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium
These premieres will include episodes 3-6 of an unspecified series or film.
Concorso Cineasti Del Presente Program
Affection Affection by Alexia Walther, Maxime Matray – France – 2025
World premiere
Balearic by Ion de Sosa – Spain, France – 2025
World premiere
The debut of “Becoming” by Zhannat Alshanova is scheduled for the year 2025, representing collaborations between France, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Lithuania, and Sweden.
Blue Heron by Sophy Romvari – Canada, Hungary – 2025
World premiere
Don’t Let the Sun by Jacqueline Zünd – Switzerland, Italy – 2025
World premiere
Fantasy by Kukla – Slovenia, North Macedonia – 2025
World premiere
Folichonneries (Follies) by Eric K. Boulianne – Canada – 2025
World premiere
Gioia Mia (Sweetheart) by Margherita Spampinato – Italy – 2025
World premiere
Hijo Mayor by Cecilia Kang – Argentina, France – 2025
World premiere
I can’t help but be captivated by the upcoming movie, “Don’t Let Me Die” (Nu Mă Lăsa Să Mor) by Andrei Epure. Hailing from Romania, Bulgaria, and France, this film is set to make its world premiere in 2025. I can hardly wait!
Olivia by Sofía Petersen – Argentina, United Kingdom, Spain – 2025
World premiere
The Fin by Park Syeyoung – South Korea, Germany, Qatar – 2025
World premiere
The Plant From the Canaries by Ruan Lan-Xi – Germany – 2025
World premiere
Hair, Paper, Water…”, a collaboration between Nicolas Graux and Trương Minh Quý, hails from Belgium, France, and Vietnam, with its world debut slated for the year 2025.
Un Balcon À Limoges (A Balcony in Limoges) by Jérôme Reybaud – France –
2025
World premiere
Piazza Grande Program
Le Pays D’arto (In the Land of Arto) by Tamara Stepanyan
France, Armenia – 2025
World premiere
“The Birthday Party” by Miguel Ángel Jiménez
Premiere Locations and Year: Greece, Spain, Netherlands, United Kingdom – 2025
Premiere Type: World Premiere (implied)
The Dead of Winter by Brian Kirk
USA, Germany – 2025
World premiere
Together by Michael Shanks
Australia, USA – 2025
Swiss premiere
Sentimental Value” by Joachim Trier
Premiere Country: Switzerland (Planned for 2025)
Co-Production Countries: Norway, France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden
Police Story by Jackie Chan
Hong Kong – 1985
Heads or Tails? (Testa O Croce?)
Year: 2025
Country: Switzerland (Premiere)
Directors: Alessio Rigo de Righi, Matteo Zoppis
Nations Involved: Italy, USA
The Shining by Stanley Kubrick
United Kingdom, USA – 1980
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m excited to share my anticipation for “The Deal,” a captivating series by Jean-Stéphane Bron. This thrilling production hails from Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, and Belgium, and is set in the future year of 2025. For Swiss viewers like myself, it’s an honor to be among the first to experience this intriguing story on our screens. The series will premiere with episodes 1&2, promising a compelling start to what I believe will be an unforgettable journey!
Gilgamesh’s Dream – Irkala by Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji
Premiere Year: 2025 (Co-produced in Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, France, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia)
First Screening: World Premiere
La Petite Dernière by Hafsia Herzi
France, Germany – 2025
Swiss premiere
Rosemead by Eric Lin
USA – 2025
International premiere
A Chance Mishap (An Unintentional Incident) by Jafar Panahi
Countries: Iran, France, Luxembourg – 2025
Swiss Debut: (First screening in Switzerland)
Kiss of the Spider Woman by Bill Condon
USA, Uruguay – 2025
International premiere
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2025-07-08 12:25