Locarno Residency

The Locarno Residency aims to offer support and guidance in what is an important rite of passage for many filmmakers, their first feature. The Locarno Film Festival has always stood out as a place of discovery for new talents, and in line with its mission intends to offer young filmmakers an opportunity to receive assistance in developing a full-length feature, in the shape of online sessions and in-person group discussions.

Phase One of the initiative, open to ten participants who will be selected by the artistic team of the Locarno Film Festival based on the film projects submitted and their career profiles to date, will take place during the 78th edition of the Festival, from August 6 to 9, 2025. Each participant will be able to discuss the concepts of their films with a jury of three industry professionals, who will then pick out three projects: two international and one Swiss.

For the three people selected for phase two, a one-year mentoring course is planned, which consists of online and in-person sessions. The first in-person session will take place in winter in Venice, at the prestigious Palazzo Trevisan degli Ulivi, in collaboration with the Consulate of Switzerland in Italy. The second phase will follow in spring in Arles, in collaboration with the LUMA Foundation, with participants hosted in the evocative Parc des Ateliers. The Locarno Residency will cover accommodation and travel expenses and a contribution towards meals.

What to expect from the Locarno Residency

Phase one

• 3-day stay during the 78th edition of Locarno Film Festival (6 - 9 August)
• Accreditation for all screenings
• Networking with industry attendees

Phase two

• An individual tutor-led pathway to assist the development of your project
• Two tailored online sessions catered to your needs
• An in-person session in the winter, with a food allowance and all travel and accommodation expenses fully covered
• A second in-person session in spring, with a food allowance and all travel and accommodation expenses fully covered
• Mentoring throughout the program by dedicated tutors
• Participation in Locarno79 for the final session, where your project will be highlighted by Locarno Pro amongst key industry professionals

Winning project

• Prize of 5,000 CHF awarded during the 79th edition of Locarno Film Festival