Freedom of films in a Festival of freedom

And so it begins. A stone's throw away from Piazza Grande, minutes before the emotionally charged screening and performance of Liberty, the Locarno Festival cut the ribbon of its 71st edition in the presence of President Marco Solari, Federal Councilor Alain Berset, Cantonal Councilor Manuele Bertoli, Locarno mayor Alain Scherrer and Artistic Director Carlo Chatrian. And what better way to start than a toast, followed by the Piazza combination of Laurel & Hardy, a harp, a cello and a drum set? Once again, the Festival has begun.