Image created by www.locarnofestival.chLocarno Reminds Us That Cinema Still Belongs to the Dreamers
The 78th Locarno Film Festival (August 6–16, 2025) once again turned its Swiss lakeside town into a cinematic wonderland. With 221 films and 101 world premieres, the program was both daring and glamorous, but what lingered most was the festival’s soul: cinema under the stars, community, and a sense of discovery.
Image created by www.locarnofestival.chThe Golden Leopard went to Sho Miyake for Two Seasons, Two Strangers, while White Snail (Elsa Kremser & Levin Peter) claimed the Special Jury Prize. Alexander Payne was celebrated with the Leopard of Honour, cementing his legacy as a master storyteller.
The Awards
The Piazza Grande swelled with 6,500 fans for Jackie Chan, who charmed audiences with his new film Sentimental Value and a nostalgic throwback screening of Police Story. Emma Thompson, equal parts witty and radiant, captivated with her ease and even broke into fluent Italian—proof that her allure is as timeless as ever.
The Icons
Cinematic standouts included Maureen Fazendeiro’s The Seasons, a poetic ode to Portuguese landscapes; Ben Rivers’s Mare’s Nest, a haunting black-and-white meditation on apocalypse and memory; and Hana Jušić’s God Will Not Help, which brought acting awards for Manuela Martelli and Ana Marija Veselčić. Meanwhile, Alexandre Koberidze’s Dry Leaf, a tender German–Georgian road movie, earned a Special Mention.
The Films
Locarno’s magic drew crowds: 154,233 screenings (+1%) and 63,085 Piazza Grande attendees (+2%)—small but significant growth for a festival of this scale.
The Numbers
Locarno Pro continued to nurture the next wave, offering labs like Match Me! and Open Doors to nearly 100 emerging filmmakers. Industry insiders also debated a possible festival date shift to July in 2027, a move that could reshape its place on the global calendar.
The Industry
Between Jackie Chan’s nostalgia, Emma Thompson’s elegance, and daring new voices pushing cinema forward, Locarno proved why it matters. In a world dominated by streaming and blockbusters, the festival is a gentle but powerful reminder: cinema, at its heart, still belongs to the dreamers.
The Verdict
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