The closure of movie theaters during lockdown hasn’t dampened the desire to live the physical and sensorial experience of the cinema. Therefore, the Locarno 2020 line-up could not be without secret screenings, a playful means of extending the Festival’s spirit of discovery on a smaller scale. These are the “rules”: go to the theater where a screening is announced and take your seat without knowing what film will be shown. Lili Hinstin, Artistic Director of the Festival, will be there to unveil and introduce the film.

The element of surprise, combined with the sense of community that emerges from collectively discovering a film, a director and an entire creative universe, offers viewers a truly unique experience.

The films, selected by the Artistic Director, chart an eclectic journey across the wild paths of international cinephilia. These true gems of the past and present, rare and new films, are screened in Locarno’s theaters on 5-15 August.