Evolution of German cinema promising success in the Locarno Film Festival
The picturesque Piazza Grande in Locarno, Switzerland, is set to host the 78th Film Festival from August 6 to 16. This holiday destination on the Swiss shore of Lake Maggiore will welcome an international lineup of films, including several German productions and co-productions.
One of the highly anticipated German-produced films in the main competition is "White Snail," an Austrian-German production that tells a unique love story between a Belarusian model aspirant and an artist who works in a morgue. The film aligns with the festival's ethos, emphasizing the importance of cinema in "a time when the world is violently shaken."
Director Julian Radlmaier, who has proven his talent for artistically original and audience-pleasing storytelling with his successful vampire farce "Blutsauger" in 2021, is at the helm of "White Snail."
Four other international co-productions with German involvement are screening in the central competition. These include "Dry Leaf" by Georgian director Alexandre Koberidze, "Donkey Days" by Dutch director Rosanne Pel, "White Snail" by Austrian-German directing duo Elsa Kremser and Levin Peter, and "With Hasan in Gaza" by Palestinian filmmaker Kamal Aljafari.
"With Hasan in Gaza" is particularly anticipated, as it reflects everyday life in Gaza, which now seems surreal in the shadow of the current war. The archival footage in the film shows life possibilities that no longer exist today.
The festival values and rewards younger talents who stand out with their originality and creativity. Locarno is also known for recognising outstanding contributions to the world of cinema. This year, honorary awards will be given to actresses Golshifteh Farahani, Emma Thompson, Lucy Liu, and Jackie Chan.
The awards, including the audience award, will be presented late in the evening on the Piazza on August 16. These awards will be presented before one of the evening open-air galas with films outside all competitions.
In addition to the competition films, the Piazza program includes three international productions shot with German involvement: "The Dead of Winter" by British director Brian Kirk, "Sentimental Value" by Norwegian Joachim Trier, and "The Youngest Daughter" by French director Hafsia Herzi. These films are all in the running for the coveted audience award.
Another German-backed film, "Sehnsucht in Sangerhausen," is a comedy that traces the winding life paths of daring women. This film, along with "With Hasan in Gaza," is eagerly awaited by festival-goers.
Out of the 222 films in various competitions and sections, 22 are German or international productions with German involvement. The release date for one of the most important award-winning films at the Festival in Cannes, "In die Sonne schauen," is set for September 11.
As the festival unfolds, audiences can look forward to a diverse and engaging lineup of films that promise to captivate and inspire.
- The anticipated "White Snail," a German-Austrian production, will be showcased in the main competition, enhancing the diverse lineup of movies and TV programs at the Piazza Grande Film Festival.
- Alongside the competition films, three international productions with German involvement - "The Dead of Winter," "Sentimental Value," and "The Youngest Daughter" - are set to engage audiences and compete for the coveted audience award.
