The industry is recovering and full of energy, with evident structural changes: new players on the scene, events with new formats, and growing concern for themes with social impact. These are the main topics this year, with the spotlight back on the industry, as we attempt to grasp its current status by looking into potential future developments. This edition’s subjects include: film financing strategies, the role of streamers, the role of agents and the evolution of international sales, the new cinema laws, the future of major markets and informal events, the industry dealing with a new cinephile audience, or the exploration of new ideas for the distribution of classic films, from theatrical exhibition to sale via NFTs.
Locarno, having always been the ideal terrain for scouting new talents, offers Industry attendees a wide selection of activities: the work-in-progress section, First Look, will showcase six new German films. The co-development platform Alliance 4 Development has earned a new partner territory, Austria, which is joining Germany, Italy, Switzerland and France, and presenting 11 new projects.
Locarno is not just discovering new films, but also the new faces of the business, with networking activities aimed at young professionals. On the one hand, there’s emerging producers – more than 30, from 13 countries - taking part in the Match Me! program; on the other, 10 young professionals working in the final stages of the sector’s activities (distribution, sales, festivals, marketing, VOD, theatrical and/or festival exhibition) will take part in the Industry Academy. The strong focus on young talents is also evident via the U30 program, where 10 people selected from previous editions of the Industry Academy will take part in think tank sessions with tutors.
Locarno Pro Online is coming back this year, allowing professionals who can’t make it to Ticino to follow our activities remotely, with the hope that we can celebrate our 75th anniversary all together. In Locarno.
Markus Duffner
.svg)
