Canada Focus Unveiled for Locarno Pro’s First Look Initiative
First Look, the works-in-progress initiative of the Locarno Film Festival’s Locarno Pro program, will put the spotlight on Canadian cinema this year. First Look has emerged as a key post-production platform for international arthouse projects. Over the years, it has supported films from such countries as Spain, the U.K., Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Israel, Poland, the Baltic states, Portugal, Serbia, Switzerland, and Germany.
Its 14th edition, in collaboration with Telefilm Canada, will take place during the 78th Locarno Film Festival, which runs Aug. 6-16. Taking place Aug. 8-10, First Look will showcase six Canadian films currently in post-production. The selected projects will be presented by their producers to an audience of global industry professionals, including sales agents, buyers, festival programmers, and representatives from post-production funding organizations. Producers will also have the opportunity to feature their projects in the festival’s Online Digital Library, accessible exclusively for accredited industry participants.
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“This year’s focus highlights Canada’s rich tradition of cinematic excellence and its long-standing connection with the Locarno Film Festival,” organizers said. “Last year alone featured three Canadian productions in the festival’s Pardi di Domani strand. They were Gender Reveal by Mo Matton, Like What Would Sorrow Look (Chou He Zhuang) by Hao Zhou, and Days Before the Death of Nicky (Jours avant la mort de Nicky) by Denis C?té. In 2023, Quebec screenwriter, actor and director Eric K. Boulianne received the Pardi di Domani best direction award for Making Babies (Faire un enfant), plus the festival welcomed Canadian filmmaker Matthew Rankin as part of the Pardi di Domani jury.
“It is absolutely thrilling to dedicate this year’s First Look to Canadian film productions,” said Giona A. Nazzaro, artistic director of the Locarno Film Festival. “This is something we have been working on for quite some time now; more and more Canadian filmmakers are on the cutting edge in their formal explorations of the possibilities of media. Locarno has always been close to Canadian artists and I’m sure that this First Look will open the doors to a whole new generation and perception of Canadian filmmaking in all its rich diversity of tradition and languages and forms.”
Markus Duffner, director of Locarno Pro, added: “This initiative remains a cornerstone of our mission to support the final stages of promising films and help propel the international careers of emerging filmmakers forward. Our enduring collaboration with Telefilm Canada reinforces our commitment to helping Canadian production companies make a meaningful impact on the global stage.”
Julie Roy, executive director and CEO of Telefilm Canada, said about the First Look focus on Canada: “Our country has a prime opportunity to showcase and export its bold storytelling and artistic innovation on the global stage at Locarno Film Festival. We rely on the strength of our relationships with film festivals like Locarno to spotlight Canadian talent and their films for international advantages while expanding collaborations and creating new opportunities.”
Producers can apply through Locarno Pro until April 19. To be eligible for selection, they must provide a rough cut of at least 60 minutes at any stage in the post-production process. The principal production company for the film must be Canadian. As is tradition, a jury of international festival directors and curators will award several prizes. The selection, along with the jury members, will be unveiled in July.
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