Locarno's Pardi di Domani section, a cornerstone of the festival's mission to foster dialogue between generations and support emerging filmmakers, has unveiled a lineup of 40 world premieres across three competitions and 29 countries. This year's selection, curated by Eddie Bertozzi, reflects a war of the worlds, both public and private, and the quest for cinema's reinvention. Among the films are works by established auteurs and emerging talents, including Ben Rivers' 'The Wind, One Brilliant Day', Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke's 'The Bovine Comedy', and Bani Khoshnoudi's 'Elegy for the Forgotten, on an Endless War'.
Locarno's Open Doors Screenings program, dedicated to supporting filmmakers from underrepresented regions, also unveiled its lineup. The program, which brings together 13 films from 12 African countries, reflects a rich diversity of languages, beliefs, and imaginations. Films like 'La kora de mon père' by Ayeman Aymar Esse and 'The Prophet' by Ique Langa will have their world or Swiss premieres.
What makes these selections particularly fascinating is the exploration of diverse cinematic traditions and the quest for reinvention. In my opinion, the Pardi di Domani section is a vital space for expressive experimentation and innovative forms of cinematic poetry. It's a testament to the festival's commitment to bridging generations and cinematic traditions. Meanwhile, the Open Doors Screenings program is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting filmmakers from underrepresented regions, where cinema as a form of expression is at risk.
Locarno's 2026 edition promises to be a rich and diverse celebration of cinema, offering a unique opportunity to explore the future of cinematic expression. From the war of the worlds in the Pardi di Domani section to the rich diversity of the Open Doors Screenings program, the festival is a testament to the power of cinema to connect, inspire, and challenge us.
