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Locarno Pro: AI, Power & Data Reshape Cinema
3 Aug
Summary
- Locarno Pro's 15th edition addresses industry challenges.
- AI, power structures, and data are key discussion topics.
- Open Doors initiative spotlights African filmmakers and Uruguayan works-in-progress.
The 15th edition of Locarno Pro, part of the 79th Locarno Film Festival (Aug. 5-15), will convene from Aug. 6-11 to address critical industry challenges. The program will feature panels and keynotes exploring how power structures, politics, AI, and data are transforming independent cinema.
The Open Doors initiative returns, focusing on Africa for its second year, supporting six projects in development, six producers, and five directors from regions facing artistic expression risks. Additionally, Locarno Pro's First Look initiative will present six Uruguayan films currently in post-production, in partnership with ACAU.
Markus Duffner, director of Locarno Pro, anticipates around 2,000 industry guests. Key themes include the impact of mergers, generative AI on creative and industrial aspects, gender equality, distribution strategies, and financing models. The festival aims to anticipate market trends and provide networking and incubation opportunities, with past successes like the Oscar-winning animation 'Flow' and the Silver Bear-winning 'Nina Roza' cited.
AI's influence on financing, distribution, and sales will be a recurring topic, with discussions involving policymakers to inform future legislation. Film restoration remains a core component, with 'Heritage Monday' dedicated to new restorations and screenings of classics like 'Dances With Wolves'.
