Industry Academy in Locarno

• A training program from the Locarno Film Festival dedicated to young professionals working in the field of international sales, marketing, exhibition, traditional and online distribution, programming and curating (festivals, film clubs, film archives and libraries), cultural management.

• A place for encounters and exchange, where new ideas take shape, and collaborations get off the ground.

• A unique opportunity to experience the Locarno Film Festival hands-on, taking part in a specially created program of round tables and workshops and master classes with Festival guests and international film industry attendees in Locarno. 

• The Industry Academy will also give you a chance to see the world of the film industry and its challenges at close quarters, and network with other professionals – in particular the established players attending the Festival and/or Locarno Pro. And last but not least, the possibility of enjoying to the full the very special experience that is the Locarno Film Festival, including its Industry program. 

• Guests at recent editions have included high-profile names such as Dennis Ruh (EFM), Susan Newman (Eurimages), Roxane Arnold (Pyramide Distribution), Thorsten Ritter (Beta Cinema), Jon Barrenechea (MUBI), Vanja Kaludjercic (Rotterdam IFF), Sung Moon (Jeonju IFF), Bobby Allen (Mubi), Janet Pierson (SXSW), Matthijs Wouter Knol (EFA). 

• Academy alumni have gone on to pursue careers in noted organizations in the industry: Nicolas Rebeschini (Charades), Maria Lanfranchi (Intramovies), Yves Blösche (Filmcoopi Zürich), Olivia Priedite (MoMA), Emmanuel Pisarra (Unifrance), Kevin Chan (MUBI), Emma Caviezel (MORETHAN), Ching-Lo HSU (Le Pacte). 

What is the perfect candidate profile?  

• Film professionals under 40.

• Fluent knowledge of English – The official language of the Academy is English. You will need it to interact with all the other Academy participants and guests at Locarno. 

• Passionate about the cinema and, at the same time, keen to join the other participants in exploring new ways of promoting and disseminating cinema. 

• Proven work experience in the film industry (at least two years experience or two internships, and/or currently in a position). 

• We remind that the Industry Academy is not for producers or directors seeking to understand the world of film distribution, but rather it is a program designed for professionals who work directly in the field of circulation and distribution of films. 

In addition to your personal data, you will be asked to supply: 

• Your CV in English. 

• A motivational letter of 1-2 pages explaining your commitment to cinema and your reasons for being a candidate. What are your objectives, interests and expectations, and what will you bring to the Academy? 

• An ID photo for your accreditation, should you be selected.

The application submission fee is CHF 10.-. If your application is unsuccessful, the fee will not be refunded. It is not possible to give feedback to all applicants.

If selected, your own expenses will be limited to travel to and from Locarno, as well as meals. Accommodation, accreditation, and participation in screenings, masterclasses, and Festival events are free of charge. Additionally, daily meal vouchers worth CHF 10 will be provided to help cover some expenses.

• 18 March 2025 – application process opens

• 20 April 2025 – deadline for sending in your application

• 26 May 2025 – after this date you will receive an answer in respect of your application

• 6-13 August 2025 – participation in the Locarno Film Festival

We can tell you that it will be a unique experience, and we’re also pretty confident that you’ll enjoy it.  

The Festival offers you: 

• Accommodation with breakfast at the Locarno youth hostel, from Wednesday 6 (check-in) to Wednesday 13 August (check-out), in a twin-bedded room. Every participant will have to share a twin room with one other participant.

• Accreditation giving admission to all screenings at the Locarno Film Festival, Market screenings and Locarno Pro program.

• Participation in the program of meetings organized by the Industry Academy.

• Access to networking events and parties during the Festival.