Lili Hinstin, Locarno's Trailblazing Film Director, Dies at 48
Lili Hinstin, a respected film programmer and the first female artistic director of the Locarno Film Festival, has died of cancer at the age of 48. Known for her dedication to supporting filmmakers and promoting gender equality in cinema, she leaves behind a lasting impact on the industry.
Her career spanned production, festival curation, and documentary filmmaking, earning her recognition as a key figure in European film culture. Born into a family with deep cinematic roots—her brother Leo Hinstin is a cinematographer—Lili Hinstin began her career in production. In 2001, she founded Les Films du Saut du Tigre, establishing herself as a creative force behind the scenes.
Before leading major festivals, she contributed to the Villa Medici Film Festival in Rome as part of its Organisation and Selection Committees. Her early work included directing Le Zombie, a documentary exploring the life of her grandfather, Charles Hinstin.
In 2018, she made history by becoming the first woman to serve as artistic director of the Locarno Film Festival. Under her leadership, the 2019 edition featured nearly 40% female-directed films, a significant step for gender representation in festival programming. She also launched Films After Tomorrow, an initiative to support filmmakers struggling during the pandemic.
Beyond Locarno, Hinstin shaped the Nouvelles Vagues Film Festival in Biarritz, guiding its first three editions. Her academic background in foreign languages, literatures, and civilisations from Paris and Padua further informed her curatorial approach.
Hinstin is survived by her 16-year-old son, along with her family and wide circle of friends in the film community. Hinstin's death marks the loss of a passionate advocate for inclusive cinema. Her initiatives, from supporting emerging directors to increasing female representation, have left a measurable mark on film festivals.
Her work in production, programming, and documentary filmmaking will continue to influence the industry for years to come.
