The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival's industry strand, Locarno Pro, unveiled its winners during the Locarno Pro Award Ceremony on Sunday. The festival's focus on Uruguay's promising feature film projects was a highlight, with 'Historia de primavera' ('Spring Story') and 'El Surubí' ('The Surubí') emerging as standout winners. These films showcase the festival's commitment to supporting emerging talent and diverse storytelling.
A Journey of Love and Longing
'Historia de primavera' ('Spring Story') is a captivating exploration of desire and longing, set in Montevideo's Botanical Garden. Directed by Gabriela Guillermo and Irina Raffo, the film follows the intense encounter between Agustín and Bruno, which ignites a passionate love affair. The jury praised its 'candid depiction of longing and desire, connecting those who dare to be driven by it.' This film's intimate portrayal of love and its impact on individuals and their choices is a powerful commentary on human nature and the complexities of relationships.
Industrial Town's Mystical Transformation
'El Surubí' ('The Surubí') takes us on a journey through a town on the brink of disappearance, where a series of miraculous apparitions occur. Directed by Lorenzo Tocco, the film explores the locals' exploitation of these events for tourism. The Surubí's win in the Music Library & SFX/Acorde Award and the Jannuzzi Smith Award for poster design highlights the film's unique blend of industrial and mystical elements, creating a captivating visual experience.
Personal Perspectives and Co-production Success
'Yazz' by Florian Hoffmann is a deeply personal project that delves into the life of a teenager, Yasmine, growing up in a UN compound in the Central African Republic. The film explores her secret escape and the subsequent accident that affects her family. The Masé Studios Award and Studio13/Valais Film Commission Award recognize the film's advanced development stage and its unique perspective on a familiar world. This co-production success story demonstrates the power of international collaboration in filmmaking.
Family Dynamics and Emotional Struggles
'Sparare alle Angurie' ('Shooting Watermelons') focuses on a family's struggle during a difficult separation. Directed by Antonio Donato, the film showcases the dynamics between an authoritarian father and his two grown sons. The Masé Studios Post-Production Award highlights the emotional depth and the film's exploration of family bonds and hidden fears.
Environmental and Social Themes
'Le Règne des Silures' ('Reign of Silures') is a thought-provoking film that intertwines themes of environmental fragility and social inequality. Directed by Jessica Puppo, the film is set in a luxury thermal palace on Lake Geneva, where giant catfish are burned as scapegoats. The Ticino Film Commission Residence Award recognizes the film's strong connection to the Swiss-Italian landscape and its exploration of labor and belonging.
Queer Cinema and Cinematic Campness
'Third Take' by Bruce LaBruce is a cinematic celebration of campness and queerness. The film, set in a drought-stricken villa, explores the reunion of two iconic actresses and their romantic journey. The Alphapanda Market Breakout Award acknowledges the film's unique approach to storytelling and its ability to captivate audiences with its diverse characters and cinematic style.
Restoring a Swiss Classic
The Locarno Heritage Restoration Contest honored 'Nous sommes tous encore ici' ('We're All Still Here'), a 1997 Swiss film by Anne-Marie Miéville. The restoration of this classic Swiss cinema work is a significant achievement, allowing audiences to rediscover a major filmmaker's contribution to the country's cinematic heritage.
