Spotlight on Uruguay: First Look at Uruguayan Cinema at the 79th Locarno Film Festival
The 15th edition of First Look, a works-in-progress initiative by Locarno Pro, will shine a spotlight on Uruguay during the 79th Locarno Film Festival, taking place from August 5 to 15. First Look serves as a post-production platform for international arthouse projects, facilitating connections between producers and key decision-makers in financing, sales, and festivals. In collaboration with ACAU – Agencia del Cine y el Audiovisual del Uruguay, First Look will showcase six Uruguayan feature films currently in the post-production phase.
In recent years, Locarno has featured various Uruguayan productions and co-productions in different festival sections, such as The Enemies of Pain by Arauco Hernández and Norberto’s Deadline by Daniel Hendler. Additionally, international co-productions with Uruguayan involvement, like Kiss of the Spider Woman by Bill Condon and Severina by Felipe Hirsch, have been part of the festival lineup. Giona A. Nazzaro, the artistic director of the Locarno Film Festival, emphasized the importance of exploring new voices by turning the spotlight on Uruguay. The selection of six films in post-production, evaluated by an international jury of experts, reflects a forward-looking commitment to the future of cinema, blending creativity and vision with a sustainable approach to industry engagement.
In conclusion, the collaboration between First Look and ACAU to showcase Uruguayan cinema at the Locarno Film Festival underscores the festival's dedication to supporting emerging voices and fostering innovative storytelling. The selection of six feature films in post-production highlights the diverse and vibrant cinematic landscape of Uruguay, offering a glimpse into the country's creative talent and unique storytelling perspectives. Through this initiative, Locarno continues to champion artistic excellence and international collaboration in the world of arthouse cinema.