Research & Choices: Festival Selection and Programming

Throughout its 62 year history, the Locarno International Film Festival has occupied a unique position in the landscape of the major film festivals. Every August, around 180,000 cinema-goers, 1,100 journalists, and 3,400 professionals converge on the small Swiss-Italian town of Locarno, right in the heart of Europe, which becomes the world capital of auteur cinema for eleven days.

During the day, a demanding selection of fearlessly radical films charting new trends in independent film initiates a journey of discovery of countries where film is fizzing, opens up to filmmakers who would struggle to find their voices heard elsewhere, offers opportunities to see both the first flashes of brilliance from talented young filmmakers and the challenges that established filmmakers continue to set themselves. Then, at nightfall, before an audience of 8,000 people, the famous open-air screenings in the extraordinary setting of the Piazza Grande are celebratory and magical occasions for all audiences.

This rich and bold programming mix mirrors the Locarno audience itself: diverse, open-minded, curious, keen for all kinds of experience; a knowledgeable audience, with whom filmmakers, actors and producers can develop a real dialogue.

Just as Locarno as carved out its own unique and extraordinary role in the global festival scene all fests regardless of size and history strive to do the same. Don't miss this highly informative session which will address the dynamic and unique approach that Locarno's Artistic Director has applied to selection and programming.
Frederic Maire
Artistic Director
Locarno International Film Festival
Join Your Peers & Colleagues for the Third Annual IFFS Europe
Paris, France : April 7-8, 2009