Locarno Best Independent Producer Award: Menahem Golan
The Premio Raimondo Rezzonico that distinguishes an independent producer will be awarded to Menahem Golan, Israeli filmmaker, producer, and co-founder, with his cousin Yoram Globus, of the Cannon company. During the 80s he produced a multitude of B-movies and action films, but also major contemporary auteurs, from John Cassavetes to Robert Altman and Jean-Luc Godard.
Wishing to highlight a key figure in film, and to salute their courage, their ability to take a risk and support auteurs, with this Award the Locarno Festival has already paid tribute to the work of such renowned producers as Paulo Branco, Ruth Waldburger, Karl Baumgartner, Jeremy Thomas, the French collective Agat Films & Cie, Lita Stantic, Christine Vachon and Martine Marignac.
The Best Independent Producer Award was established in 2002 in memory of Raimondo Rezzonico, president of the event for almost twenty years. The Prize is offered by the City of Minusio.