Experience a taste of pure Swiss joy right at your fingertips! Once more, the 78th Locarno Film Festival from Switzerland is ready to delight you, featuring an array of Swiss films that are certain to captivate film enthusiasts everywhere.
From August 6th to the 16th, multiple areas within the festival will showcase homemade cuisine alongside an extensive program featuring international and first-time premieres. Notably, the “Panorama Suisse” segment will feature Swiss films that have been successful at other festivals, gained traction in cinemas, or are currently playing in the country. Festival organizers emphasize that film enthusiasts from around the globe can experience a taste of contemporary Swiss cinema through this section.
Or,
During August 6-16, several sections of the festival will present homecooked meals alongside a diverse lineup of world and premiere screenings. Of particular interest is the “Panorama Suisse” segment, which will showcase successful Swiss films that have been well-received at other festivals, garnered attention in cinemas, or are currently available in the country. Festival organizers stress that film lovers worldwide can enjoy a slice of contemporary Swiss cinema through this segment.
Locarno offers a variety of Swiss specialties that you wouldn’t be able to catch, not even if you were burning the midnight oil in Bern. Absolutely so!
To ensure there are no gaps or voids in your Locarno schedule like Swiss cheese, take a peek at THR’s list of 11 enticing Swiss offerings to be screened at Locarno78, detailed below.
The Little Vampires)
Directed by: Valentina Bertani and Nicole Bertani
Produced in: Italy, Switzerland, France
Section of the Festival: Competing in the International Category
If you’re seeking a unique twist on a coming-of-age tale, I’d recommend giving “Mosquitoes” (or “The Little Girls,” as it’s known in Italian) a try. It’s a story that draws inspiration from the filmmakers’ own childhood experiences.
The film features actors like Mia Ferricelli, Agnese Scazza, Petra Scheggia, Clara Tramontano, Milutin Dapčević, Jessica Piccolo Valerani, Cristina Donadio, and Matteo Martari.
1997 finds eight-year-old Linda departing from her wealthy grandmother’s Swiss villa with her carefree mother, Eva. In Italy, they encounter sisters Azzurra and Marta. Their bond is forged in a summer friendship that promises to safeguard them, their youth, and their freedom. The narrative revolves around the adults around them who are preoccupied with self-interest, pursuing fragile dreams, engaging in gossip, and a peculiar babysitter struggling to find his place in a world that seems indifferent to him.
Linda, an eight-year-old girl, leaves her wealthy grandmother’s villa in Switzerland with her mother, Eva, in 1997. They meet Azzurra and Marta in Italy during the summer. Their friendship forms a protective alliance to preserve their youth and freedom. The story follows self-absorbed adults pursuing fleeting dreams, neighbors who gossip, and a babysitter who is different and searches for his place in a world that seems unwelcoming to him.
Or simply:
In 1997, eight-year-old Linda departs her wealthy grandmother’s Swiss villa with her mother, Eva. In Italy, they meet sisters Azzurra and Marta. Their friendship becomes a protective pact to preserve their youth and freedom. The story revolves around adults who chase dreams, gossiping neighbors, and a unique babysitter searching for his place in an indifferent world.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’d rephrase that to:
“In the International Competition at this year’s festival, I came across an intriguing film titled ‘Le Lac’. This captivating piece was directed by Fabrice Aragno and hails from the beautiful country of Switzerland.
If you’re unsure about your French vocabulary, rest assured that “Le Lac” indeed translates to “The Lake”. The movie depicted above supports this as well. This particular film features Clotilde Courau and Bernard Stamm, and it originates from Aragno, a director renowned primarily for producing short films and TV movies up until now.
Prepare yourself for a tantalizing sneak peek into a Swiss movie! A woman and a man embark on an arduous sailing competition spanning multiple days and nights across a vast lake. They yearn to reach the other side, but find no evidence of life, yet they sense it in the tumultuous waves, the gusty winds, the drifting clouds, the lonely cries of birds. This piques our curiosity!
Hold Back the Sun”
Directed by: Jacqueline Zünd
Produced in: Switzerland and Italy
Category: Current Cinema
As the temperature climbs higher, folks seem to drift apart, experiencing unusual loneliness. It’s during these times that Jonah (age 28) offers solace to those he doesn’t know. However, once he assumes the role of a father figure for Nika (9 years old), his life begins to spin out of control.
In a nutshell, documentary filmmaker Zünd’s first foray into fiction follows the model of rental friendship agencies prevalent in Japan, unfolding against a backdrop of escalating temperatures. According to the Locarno website, this movie offers a poignant exploration of the delicacy of human connections, titled as a “tender drama about the fragility of relationships.
The movie, titled “Don’t Let the Sun“, was directed by Zünd and Arne Kohlweyer. It features Levan Gelbakhiani, Maria Pia Pepe, Agnese Claisse, and Karidja Touré in the main roles. Don’t forget to catch it!
Construction Site (Movie Title)
Directed by: Jean-Stéphane Bron
Production Countries: France and Switzerland
Festival Category: Out of Competition (Section where it is screened)
Documentary producer Bron will be taking on two roles during Locarno’s 2025 out-of-competition schedule, as his series titled “The Deal” – which delves into the 2015 nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran in Switzerland – is also set to screen in this festival section as well.
At “The Construction Site,” we delve into the process of rebuilding a renowned cinema, under the guidance of architect Renzo Piano.
The project, as outlined in its synopsis, not only focuses on the construction site but also aims to depict a broader narrative. It portrays this unique construction site as a microcosm of society, where everyone shares a common purpose – constructing cinemas for the future. From architects and skilled carpenters, site managers and executives from Pathé group, to speakers’ designers and potential projectionists, the film offers a vivid and intimate look at this society.
Mary Anning
Leading by: Marcel Barelli
Produced in: Switzerland and Belgium
Showcased at: Locarno Children’s Screenings
or
Mary Anning
Directed by: Marcel Barelli
Hailing from: Switzerland and Belgium
Featured in: Locarno Kids Screenings (Alternatively, “Showcased at the Locarno Children’s Screenings”)
In this captivating animated flick, I’m immersed in the life story of Mary Anning, a pioneering fossil hunter and paleontologist, as told by Marcel Barelli – an extraordinary Swiss-born director and artist. This year, he’s set to receive the Locarno Kids Award for his exceptional work on this film.
The organizers of Locarno have recognized Barelli as a standout talent in Swiss and global animation filmmaking with his unique and exciting voice.”
“In this movie, we find ourselves in 1811 where an inquisitive and persistent 12-year-old girl named Mary is on a quest to uncover fossils. Her father had instilled this passion within her, but when he vanishes, leaving behind a cryptic drawing and a struggling family, her life takes an unexpected turn. Eager to support her mother and sibling, Mary embarks on a journey to decipher the meaning of the drawing, eventually uncovering not just fossils, but friendships, adventures, and the roots of paleontology.
Bagger Saga
Director: Piet Baumgartner
Origin: Switzerland
Festival Category: Swiss Panorama
The term “Bagger” in German is equivalent to “digger” in English. As for “drama,” it refers to a play or film that involves exciting, emotional, or serious events. If you’re feeling puzzled, you might need to watch the movie to understand its plot.
The actors Bettina Stucky, Phil Hayes, Vincent Furrer, Karin Pfammatter, and Maximilian Reichert are part of the cast in a film by Baumgartner (The Driven Ones, series Clash}). In other words, these individuals are appearing together in this movie titled “The Driven Ones,” which is part of a series called “Clash.
leasing, trading, and maintaining excavators. Every member is expected to contribute. However, when their daughter tragically passes away, the family falls apart. The son contemplates moving to America instead of inheriting the company. The father develops feelings for a new choir director, leaving the mother feeling isolated.
Frieda’s Dilemma
Directed by: Maria Brendle
Production countries: Switzerland
Showcase: Swiss Panorama
In German-Swiss director Maria Brendle’s debut film “Frieda’s Case” (or “Friedas Fall”), we delve into both the historical Swiss court case of young seamstress Frieda Keller from 1904 St. Gallen, Switzerland, and its contemporary relevance. This tale serves as a compelling narrative about female liberation and empowerment on a global scale.
In simpler terms, Brendle had mentioned earlier this year that the movie’s topics, currently making rounds in various film festivals such as the Beijing International Film Festival, remain relevant and persistently present across different regions worldwide.
In “Frieda’s Case,” Julia Buchmann stars as Keller, supported by an exceptional cast consisting of Stefan Merki, Rachel Braunschweig, Max Simonischek, and Marlene Tanczik. If you’re a fan of historical dramas that resonate with contemporary issues, be sure not to miss this gripping production!
Film titled “Immortals”
Directed by Maja Tschumi
Produced in: Switzerland and Iraq
Showcased in: Swiss Panorama section
Or more casually,
“Immortals” movie
Directed by Maja Tschumi
Made in: Switzerland & Iraq
Featured in: Swiss Panorama segment
While it might not initially seem like a Swiss production, it indeed is. This documentary, however, is a collaborative effort between Switzerland and Iraq.
Milo, a determined feminist, finds a way to move freely throughout Baghdad by donning her brother’s clothing. Khalili, a driven filmmaker, learns that his camera can be the mightiest of all weapons. Following the 2019 revolution, Milo and Khalili come to embody the resilient spirit of Iraqi youth as they tirelessly strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Instead, this document provides a glimpse into the aspirations and frequently shattered ambitions of a young generation who have experienced war since the U.S.’s Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Wise Pursuit of Joy
Directed by: Barbara Miller and Philip Delaquis
Origin: Switzerland
Showcase: Swiss Panorama
In this version, the title is rephrased to “Wise Pursuit of Joy,” which still conveys the idea that the film explores wisdom related to happiness. The rest of the information remains mostly unchanged, with the exception of the festival section being referred to as “Swiss Panorama” instead of “Panorama Suisse.” This change makes the text easier for English speakers to read and understand.
You might recall how some past titles didn’t initially appear to be from Switzerland. Here is another one, specifically a documentary titled “A Heartfelt Conversation with the Dalai Lama.” This documentary aims to provide an intimate chat with the Dalai Lama himself.
For Miller, this particular subject seems more serene compared to the weightier themes she’s delved into before, such as her 2012 work, “Forbidden Voices,” which focused on fearless women expressing themselves within China, Cuba, and Iran – part of a networked generation of contemporary resistance fighters. Similarly, her 2018 film, “#Female Pleasure,” was an exploration of the lingering barriers to female sexuality in the modern era.
A summary of Wisdom of Happiness appears quite beneficial for many people today. It promises an intimately personal and cinematically engaging documentary featuring the Dalai Lama, who, at almost 90 years old, offers practical guidance on dealing with modern-day difficulties. The film ultimately conveys the Dalai Lama addressing viewers directly, creating a feeling of an exclusive audience, and passes on his timeless wisdom for finding inner peace and happiness for all.”
Does that work for you?
Images in Thought (Images en pensée)
Director: Eleonora Camizzi
Production Country: Switzerland
Festival Category: Swiss Panorama
Imagine this: In her first directorial project, Eleonora Camizzi presents an unusual documentary. A white room becomes the stage where a father and daughter reunite. Now, you might ask, what’s so surprising about that?
The film’s description states: “A casual chat about business with the Queen unexpectedly uncovers: what initially seems like emptiness is actually filled with a shameful medical condition and years of secrecy.” This narrative evolves from an exploration of the past to a heartfelt discussion in the present.
If you’re still hesitant about watching this film, here’s a compelling reason: “The movie delves into the gray areas between normal and abnormal, right and wrong, unusual and familiar, aiming to transform an ideal world into a tangible reality.”
Late Shift (Heldin)
Director: Petra Volpe
Countries of production: Switzerland, Germany
Festival section: Panorama Suisse
The upcoming movie from Volpe, titled “Heroine” in German, stars Leonie Benesch (known for “The Teacher’s Lounge” and “Babylon Berlin”). These two remarkable artists, who effortlessly breathe life into captivating characters, might just be referred to as heroes by their fans.
In this scenario, Benesch, fresh off her victory at the German Film Award (Lola), delivers a compelling performance as a dedicated and competent nurse navigating the challenging day-to-day life on a hospital’s surgical ward, depicted in the film September 5. The plot hints that when there are staffing shortages during night shifts, her work transforms into a desperate struggle against time.
When the movie was first shown at Berlin earlier this year, The Hollywood Reporter’s critique praised it as a “compelling and empathetic homage to working-class heroes.” It was noted that the “powerful storyline centers around Leonie Benesch’s exceptional portrayal of an overworked and tireless nurse.
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2025-07-28 09:25