The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival's industry strand, Locarno Pro, has unveiled a diverse range of winners across various categories. Among the notable recipients are the First Look section, which focuses on projects on the verge of completion, the co-development program Alliance 4 Development, the Antaviana Spanish Previews Award, and the fourth Heritage Restoration Contest. The festival, running until August 15, has highlighted the potential of emerging talent and projects from Uruguay, Switzerland, and France, among others. The winners include 'Historia de primavera' (Spring Story), 'El Surubí' (The Surubí), and 'Yazz', each recognized for their unique storytelling and creative vision. The First Look section, with a 2026 focus on Uruguay, awarded 'Historia de primavera' for its candid depiction of longing and desire, while 'El Surubí' received accolades for its exploration of mystical tourism and divine power. 'Yazz' was praised for its personal perspective on a world rarely seen from the inside. The Alliance 4 Development program recognized 'Yazz' for its advanced stage of development and strong recognition, while 'Sparare alle Angurie' (Shooting Watermelons) was awarded for its exploration of family dynamics and hidden fears. The Heritage Restoration Contest celebrated 'Nous sommes tous encore ici' (We're All Still Here, 1997), a significant work of Swiss cinema by Anne-Marie Miéville, with a complete restoration by film lab Cinegrell. These awards not only highlight the creative excellence of the selected projects but also underscore the festival's commitment to supporting and promoting diverse voices in the film industry. The winners represent a range of themes, from love and desire to family dynamics and environmental fragility, offering a glimpse into the future of cinema and the power of storytelling to connect and inspire audiences worldwide.
