Favored German manufacturing leads the pack
The picturesque town of Locarno, Switzerland, is currently buzzing with the 78th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, and German cinema is making a significant impact. With 22 German co-productions out of 222 films, the festival has already proven to be a success for German cinema.
One of the most anticipated films of the festival is the US-German co-production "The Dead of Winter," which has particularly stood out in the competition so far. Meanwhile, Emma Thompson, a double British Oscar winner, received a festival honorary award on the Piazza Grande during the premiere of her film. Thompson plays a widowed woman in the thriller that balances between black humor, bloody action, and heartache.
Among the German co-productions is "Sehnsucht in Sangerhausen," a film that opened the international competition. Directed by Julian Radlmaier, the movie tells the story of young women's search for identity. On the other hand, "White Snail," a top favorite for the Golden Leopard award, is an intense study of social boundaries and class barriers. Masha, the central character, dreams of a career as a model, but reality leaves no room for her dreams.
Another notable German co-production is "With Hasan in Gaza," a documentary by Palestinian filmmaker Kamal Aljafari. The film offers a glimpse into life in Gaza in 2001, a life that no longer exists.
However, the film that has truly captured the attention of the festival is "Tabi to Hibi" ("Two Seasons, Two Strangers") directed by Sho Miyake. This Japanese film won the prestigious Pardo d'Oro, the top prize in the international competition. The plot revolves around a playwright struggling with writer’s block who experiences a fresh perspective on life through a chance encounter during a trip. South Korean actress Shim Eun-kyung stars as the playwright, alongside Japanese actors Shinichi Tsutsumi and Yumi Kawai.
As the festival continues, no prediction can be made yet regarding which films will be honored with prizes, as half of the competition films are still to come. The awards will be presented on the evening of August 16th during a gala on the Piazza Grande in Locarno. Additionally, on Saturday evening, the Golden Leopard for lifetime achievement was awarded to action actor Jackie Chan.
With a diverse array of films and a strong showing for German cinema, the 78th Locarno Film Festival is proving to be an exciting event for film enthusiasts.
- The Japanese film "Tabi to Hibi" ("Two Seasons, Two Strangers"), directed by Sho Miyake, has captured the attention of the festival, winning the prestigious Pardo d'Oro in the international competition.
- In the realm of movies and television, German cinema has made a significant impact at the 78th Locarno Film Festival, with 22 German co-productions out of 222 films in the event.
