Geneva, the picturesque city in Switzerland, is abuzz with excitement as the 77th Locarno Film Festival is set to open on Wednesday. This year’s festival promises to be a star-studded affair with renowned names from the film industry being honored with special awards. The festival, known for its focus on auteur cinema, has been a platform for showcasing some of the most thought-provoking and innovative films since its inception in 1946.
Located on the shores of Lake Maggiore in the Italian-speaking Ticino region of southern Switzerland, Locarno is a stunning backdrop for the festival. The central square of the city, which is depicted on the country’s 20-franc banknotes, transforms into a hub of cinematic magic during the festival. The open-air Piazza Grande, with a capacity of 8,000 people, boasts one of the largest screens in the world, making it a unique experience for moviegoers.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival is the special award ceremony that will take place on Saturday. Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, will be honored with the prestigious Pardo alla Carriera award for his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema. The festival’s artistic director, Giona A. Nazzaro, describes Khan as a “king” who has never lost touch with his audience and has always been willing to take on challenging roles. This award is a testament to Khan’s versatility and his ability to constantly reinvent himself as an artist.
The 77th Locarno Film Festival will feature a diverse selection of 225 films, including 104 world premieres and 15 debut movies. The festival’s top prize, the Golden Leopard, has been previously won by legendary directors such as Roberto Rossellini, John Ford, Stanley Kubrick, Milos Forman, Mike Leigh, and Jim Jarmusch. This year, 17 films, all world or international premieres, will compete for the coveted award, representing countries like Lithuania, France, Austria, Italy, and South Korea. The Golden Leopard comes with a prize fund of $87,400, which will be shared between the director and the producer of the winning film.
In addition to the competition, the festival will also feature a retrospective dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Columbia Pictures. This is a great opportunity for film enthusiasts to revisit some of the iconic movies produced by this renowned studio.
The festival will also pay tribute to some of the most talented personalities in the film industry. New Zealand’s Jane Campion will be recognized with the Leopard of Honor, which is given to outstanding personalities of world cinema. Campion, who was the first woman to be nominated twice for the best director Oscar, has left an indelible mark on the industry with her thought-provoking and emotionally charged films like “The Piano” (1993) and “The Power of the Dog” (2021). Giona A. Nazzaro praises Campion’s work, stating that it represents one of the undisputed pinnacles of contemporary filmmaking. Previous recipients of this award include Ennio Morricone, Jean-Luc Godard, Bernardo Bertolucci, Paul Verhoeven, Terry Gilliam, and Werner Herzog.
Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron, who has won two best director Oscars for “Gravity” (2013) and “Roma” (2018), will receive the lifetime achievement award. Cuaron’s ability to reinvent himself with each new film has made him one of the most sought-after directors in the industry. Giona A. Nazzaro praises Cuaron’s work, stating that he has constantly pushed the boundaries of filmmaking and has created some of the most visually stunning and thought-provoking films of our time.
French-Swiss actress Irene Jacob, known for her captivating performances in films like “The Double Life of Veronique” (1991) and “Three Colours: Red” (1994), will receive the Leopard Club Award. This award is given to individuals whose work has touched the collective imagination of audiences. Jacob’s talent and versatility have made her a household name in the film industry, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her contributions.
The festival will also honor Stacey Sher, the U.S. film producer behind some of the most iconic movies of our time, with the Raimondo Rezzonico Award
