Since 2022, in collaboration with Zurich and Berlin-based's Cinegrell film lab, the Locarno Film Festival's Restoration Contest has been offering a complete restoration to a winning classic film, with restoration commencing shortly after the festival. The restored film then enjoys its premiere at the following edition of the Locarno Film Festival.
The Restoration Contest is open to feature films from around the world that premiered no later than 2010. Applicants must demonstrate that they are the rightful owners of the submitted films, which may require either partial or full restoration. A jury of three international industry professionals will evaluate the applications submitted from all over the world and award the winning film, that will be announced in August 2025.
In 2024, the contest was won by the Italian film I cannibali (The Cannibals, 1969) by Liliana Cavani. The film is now under restoration by film lab Cinegrell and will be presented in August 2025 during Locarno78.
In 2023, the contest was won by the Brazilian film Mulher de Verdade by Alberto Cavalcanti (1954). The film was presented at Locarno77 and was available for streaming on our website in December 2024 and January 2025.
