Large numbers of moviegoers flock to the Locarno Film Festival to witness the performances of Jackie Chan and 'Sentimental Value'
The 2025 Locarno Film Festival was marked by a notable presence of protests against the ongoing conflict in Gaza. These demonstrations had a significant impact on both film screenings and industry events.
Impact on Film Screenings and Industry Events
- Demonstrations and Interruptions
A protest took place on August 8 at the Piazza Grande, preceding the world premiere of Miguel Ángel Jiménez’s film, The Birthday Party. This involved a minute of silence and the display of cards with a message against genocide, including images of blood red bandages.
- Widescale Demonstrations
A more extensive demonstration occurred on August 12, pausing activities at the Piazza Grande, calling for an end to violence in Gaza. Similar protests had occurred during previous years, highlighting the ongoing nature of these demonstrations.
- Integration with Festival Content
The Locarno Film Festival featured a documentary titled With Hasan in Gaza, providing a unique perspective on the region. Other films addressing the Middle East, such as the mini-series The Deal about the Iranian nuclear agreement, were also screened.
- Industry Response and Awareness
The protests and screenings raised awareness about the Gaza situation among festival attendees and the broader film industry. This increased awareness is part of a broader trend where international film festivals are highlighting Palestinian stories and issues.
Other Festival Highlights
- Awards and Screenings
Jackie Chan received a lifetime achievement award at the Locarno Film Festival on August 9. The screening of Jackie Chan's 1985 film "Police Story" followed the award ceremony. Approximately 7,258 people watched the world premiere of Emma Thompson's film "Dead Of Winter" at the Piazza Grande, while another 300 watched the screening in a nearby cinema due to the Piazza being at capacity.
- Industry Initiatives
Locarno Pro hosts initiatives such as the work-in-progress strand First Look, networking platform Match Me!, co-development programme Alliance 4 Development, the StepIn conference, classic film focus Heritage Online, and initiatives aimed at young professionals such as the U30 think tank and workshop programme Industry Academy.
- Industry Discussions
Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle suggested that European public investment should be used "intelligently" to support distribution and exhibition, as 95% of films programmed at festivals struggle to secure cinema distribution. The StepIn conference at Locarno discussed some of the challenges facing the film industry, with AGC Studios chairman Stuart Ford stating that major streamers are "throttling" the independent film ecosystem by underpaying for pay 1 and pay 2 licence fees. Ed Guiney compared the state of private financing available to the film industry in the US with Europe, noting that there is no equivalent network in Europe for individuals who want to invest in the film industry.
- The Locarno Investment Community
The Locarno Investment Community has been launched, aiming to connect film financiers and philanthropists with the European film industry.
In summary, the Gaza protests at the Locarno Film Festival drew attention to the conflict while also integrating relevant content into the festival program, contributing to a broader industry discussion about social and political issues. The festival also provided a platform for industry professionals to discuss and address the challenges facing the film industry.
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