Open Doors explores cinema in Southeast Asia and Mongolia via a co-production platform, a producers’ Lab and a non-competitive screening section taking place in August, plus year-round activities including Consultancy services and a knowledge-sharing platform (ToolBox).
From 2019 until 2021, the Open Doors section of the Locarno Film Festival is focusing on the cinematographic landscape of Southeast Asia and Mongolia.
For three years, is spotlighting film projects, talents and film producers from the following countries: Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Mongolia.
The main program of Open Doors consists of three parallel activities taking place during Locarno 74, from 5 to 10 August 2021.
The official selection will be announced in May.
In 2020, Open Doors celebrated its 18th anniversary. Thanks to the collaboration, at the outset, of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the sidebar section is able to pursue a trio of objectives.
First and foremost, its aim is to draw the attention of industry professionals and the international audience towards directors and films from countries in the South and East of the world. Secondly, to create optimal conditions for realizing and disseminating their feature film projects via a platform for discussion and professional exchange, linking with their counterparts in Europe and elsewhere as potential partners.
Lastly, to contribute to the development of a local and regional independent filmmaking scene, and to connect their industry representatives with a global network of international peers.
This threefold effort is complemented by a program of promotional initiatives and professional training workshops in the region, selected in close cooperation with local players.
