Upcoming Optimism for German Cinema in Locarno Film Festival
The 78th Locarno Film Festival, one of Europe's most significant film events alongside Berlin, Cannes, and Venice, is set to take place from August 6 to 16, 2025. With a lineup of 222 films, 18 of which are competing for the prestigious Golden Leopard, the festival promises an exciting cinematic journey.
However, when it comes to German films competing for awards, the sources do not provide a clear picture. Out of the 222 films, 22 are German or international productions with German involvement, but the titles of the German films in competition have not been identified [1][3].
Among the international productions with German involvement, films like "The Dead of Winter" by British director Brian Kirk, "Sentimental Value" by Norwegian filmmaker Joachim Trier, and "The Youngest Daughter" by French director Hafsia Herzi are part of the Piazza program, all vying for the coveted audience award [2].
One German film, "Longing in Sangerhausen," financed exclusively by German producers, is also in the running for the Golden Leopard [2]. Directed by Julian Radlmaier, known for his successful vampire farce "Bloodsuckers" in 2021, "Longing in Sangerhausen" promises an intriguing narrative.
Another anticipated entry is "Dry Leaf" by Georgian director Alexandre Koberidze, which will be screened in the central competition [2].
Meanwhile, the Locarno Film Festival is renowned for its support of bold, artistically innovative films and those addressing timely socio-political issues, which may influence the chances of any German entries [1].
Notable films like "White Snail" by Austrian-German directing duo Elsa Kremser and Levin Peter, "Donkey Days" by Dutch director Rosanne Pel, and "With Hasan in Gaza" by Palestinian filmmaker Kamal Aljafari are part of the festival's central competition [2].
"With Hasan in Gaza" reflects everyday life in Gaza, now seeming surreal in the shadow of the current war, with archive footage showing life possibilities that no longer exist today [2].
As the festival approaches, the anticipation builds, and the award prospects for the German films remain uncertain. For detailed information on the German competition entries or predictions, checking the official Locarno Film Festival website, the German Films agency closer to or during the festival, or festival press releases would be recommended.
In addition to the competitive films, the festival will also honour actors Golshifteh Farahani, Emma Thompson, Lucy Liu, and Jackie Chan before one of the evening open-air galas on the Piazza Grande of Locarno [1].
The feature film "Looking into the Sun" is set for release on September 11, having won an award at the Cannes Film Festival [2].
As the festival unfolds, the spotlight will shine on these films, and we eagerly await the verdict on the German entries at the 78th Locarno Film Festival.
- The classified German films competing for awards at the 78th Locarno Film Festival include "Longing in Sangerhausen," a movie directed by Julian Radlmaier, known for "Bloodsuckers" in 2021.
- The German film industry, with films like "Longing in Sangerhausen" in competition and others yet to be identified, awaits the outcome at the Locarno Film Festival, known for supporting artistically innovative and socio-politically relevant films.
