Locarno Festival Announces ‘Adventurous’ Lineup Featuring Caleb Landry Jones, Isabelle Huppert, Hong Sang-soo and Monica Bellucci
Locarno has announced the full lineup for its 79th edition, featuring 103 world premieres. Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro called it “an adventurous selection, full of surprises, which tackles the
Locarno has announced the full lineup for its 79th edition, featuring 103 world premieres. Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro called it “an adventuro
Read Full Story at Variety →Why This Matters
The Locarno Festival’s programming choices reflect a bold recalibration of global cinema’s priorities, emphasizing artistic risk over commercial viability. By centering figures like Hong Sang-soo and Isabelle Huppert alongside rising talent, the lineup signals a rejection of homogenization in favor of narrative and formal experimentation—a stance that could pressure other major festivals to follow suit or risk appearing out of step with evolving audience tastes.
Background Context
Locarno’s reputation as a launching pad for avant-garde and arthouse cinema dates back to its 1946 founding, but its recent editions have faced scrutiny over whether its selections remain daring enough in an era dominated by streaming and franchise films. The festival’s Pardo d’Oro, awarded to *The Shape of Water* in 2017, ironically highlights this tension: a widely accessible Oscar-winner amid Locarno’s traditional avant-garde leanings.
What Happens Next
The inclusion of Monica Bellucci and Caleb Landry Jones—both figures with mainstream appeal—may attract broader media attention, potentially widening Locarno’s global profile beyond its core cinephile audience. However, the real test will be whether these star-driven selections can coexist with the festival’s experimental roots without diluting its identity. Industry observers will watch closely for jury reactions and post-festival buzz to gauge whether this lineup signals a lasting shift or a fleeting pivot.
Bigger Picture
This year’s Locarno lineup aligns with a broader trend in film festivals prioritizing diversity of form over star power, mirroring movements in art-world biennials and music festivals. The emphasis on world premieres over premieres-de-festival also reflects a growing wariness of presold content, a reaction to the saturation of Cannes and Venice with projects already tied to distribution deals. If Locarno’s gamble pays off, it could redefine the role of mid-tier festivals as incubators rather than showcases.
