Locarno Residency

The Locarno Residency aims to offer support and guidance in what is an important key rite of passage for many filmmakers, their first feature. The Locarno Film Festival has always stood out as a place of discovery for new talents, and in line with its mission intends to offer young filmmakers an opportunity to receive assistance in developing a full-length feature, in the shape of online sessions and in-person group discussions.

Phase One of the initiative, open to ten participants who will be selected by the artistic team of the Locarno Film Festival on the basis of the film projects submitted and their career profiles to date, will take place during the 77th edition of the Festival in August, from August 7 to 10.
The ten selected talents will be able to discuss their film concepts with a jury of three film industry personalities, who will then pick out three projects: two international and one Swiss. One of the three winners will also receive the Dopodomani prize, worth CHF 3’000. 

For the three people selected for phase two, a one-year mentoring course is planned, which consists of online and in-person sessions.
The first in-person session will take place during the winter, the second in the spring. Full details on the two sessions will be announced shortly. The Locarno Residency will cover accommodation and travel expenses and a contribution towards meals.

What to expect from the Locarno Residency

Phase one

• 3-day stay during the 77th edition of Locarno Film Festival, from August 7 to 10.
• Accreditation for all screenings 
• Networking with industry attendees 

Phase two

• An individual tutorial pathway to assist the development of your project 
• Two tailored online sessions catered to your needs
• An in-person session in the Winter, with a food allowance and all travel and accommodation expenses fully covered
• A second in-person session in Spring, with a food allowance and all travel and accommodation expenses fully covered
• Mentoring throughout the program by dedicated tutors
• Meet with key industry players and take part during sessions in events organized by Locarno Film Festival in the Spring
• Participation in Locarno78 for the final session, where your project will be highlighted by Locarno Pro amongst key industry professionals 

Winning project

• Prize of 5,000 CHF awarded during the 78th edition of Locarno Film Festival