Locarno Pro Takes on the Big Issues: AI, “Algorithms and Consolidation Versus Creative Freedom”
The Swiss film fest's industry strand director, Markus Duffner, explains the timeliness of "power, people, data," the return of the Locarno Investment Community, and why Uruguay gets the spotlight treatment.
Locarno is not “just” about the discovery of new film gems and the celebration of the art of cinema. It’s also about discussing and conducting business, about addressing the challenges facing the industry and about networking to enable all of that.
So, while people can explore new and classic cinema during the 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, running Aug. 5-15, the Swiss fest’s Locarno Pro industry program returns with a spotlight on the big issues of the day and the future, along with much more, during its 15th edition, taking place Aug. 6-11.
The 2026 program of panels and keynotes will kick off with the traditional StepIn session, which will this year explore how power structures, politics, AI and data are reshaping independent cinema.
Also returning is Open Doors, the co-production platform and talent development program for filmmakers from regions where artistic expression is at risk. After all, Locarno Pro also sees itself as a talent incubation and training platform. This year marks the second year with a focus on Africa, with the spotlight being put on six projects in development, six producers and five directors.
