As I delve into these captivating narratives, I am struck by the profound and intimate stories that unfold before us. Each film seems to resonate with a unique intensity, drawing us into the lives of its characters and inviting us to share in their joys, sorrows, and triumphs.
As a film enthusiast who has attended several international film festivals over the years, I am always eagerly anticipating the upcoming editions to discover new talent and immerse myself in diverse cinematic narratives from around the globe. This year, I’m particularly excited about Locarno’s 13th edition of its First Look sidebar, which showcases works in progress. It’s fascinating to witness the evolution of a film during the production process and gain insights into the creative journey of filmmakers.
In the current year, we received a total of 40 project submissions. A preliminary selection was made by a committee featuring Xavier Garcia Puerto from Tallinn Black Nights Festival/REC – International Festival of Cinema in Tarragona, Susana Santos Rodriguez from IndieLisboa and IFFR, and Cecilia Barrionuevo from ECAM – Escuela de Cinematografía y Audiovisual de Madrid.
The jury for Locarno’s First Look competition includes Beatrice Fiorentino (Artistic Director of Venice’s International Film Critics’ Week), Kerem Ayan (Director of Istanbul Film Festival), and Mercedes Martínez-Abarca (Programmer for the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Besides cash and service awards totaling tens of thousands of euros, First Look also provides an opportunity for film producers to personally showcase their movies to potential sales and distribution contacts at Cinema Rialto and on the Locarno Pro Online digital platform, which is accessible to accredited industry experts.
As a film enthusiast who has spent years studying cinema and working within the industry, I am thrilled to see this year’s First Look event being produced in collaboration with esteemed organizations such as ICAA, the Spanish Institute of Cinematography and Audiovisual Arts, and ICEX Spain Trade & Investment. Having had the opportunity to work with these entities before, I know firsthand their commitment to promoting quality filmmaking and fostering international cooperation in the audiovisual sector. This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration and its ability to elevate the art of cinema to new heights. It’s an exciting time for film lovers like myself, as we get to witness the fruits of this collaboration and discover the incredible talent that Spain has to offer on the global stage.
The Locarno Film Festival will run over August 9-11.
“The Vigil Post” (Produced by TV ON Productions, Admirable Films, and Lamalanga Audiovisual Productions, under the direction of Marc Ortiz)
Title Summary: In the traditional Spanish society of early to mid-20th century, Teresa Pla, a child born intersex and assigned female at birth, battles societal norms to live authentically as a man. This journey is fraught with challenges as he faces persecution from guerrillas, bandits, and the Guardia Civil.
Producer Paloma Mora states that the film’s plot is inspired by the true life of Florencio Plá Meseguer, holding strong connections to the director’s own childhood experiences. The story is set a century ago, yet its themes – particularly identity – remain strikingly relevant today. Actor Pablo Molinero plays the leading role, while the director infuses the production with a very personal touch, drawing on influences from filmmakers like Lisandro Alonso and Béla Tarr within the art-house genre.
“Enrique Buleo’s artwork titled ‘Still Life with Ghosts'” or simply “Buleo’s ‘Ghostly Still Life'”
Overview of the Festival: Troubled by the hardships and complexities of life and death, the spirits and residents of the quaint town of La Mancha will go to great lengths to resolve their issues, without a moment’s hesitation, even if it means implementing drastic and daring strategies.
In an interview with EbMaster, producer Alejandra Mora praises Enrique’s body of work, describing each piece as a creative exercise of the imagination. She notes the meticulous framing, unique rhythm, and hints of humor that are prominent in his work. Enrique’s storytelling is daring, as he subverts traditional themes like death and societal values, immersing his characters in challenging situations that evoke a range of emotions from viewers. This narrative unfolds in a rural, marginal setting – La Mancha in deep Spain – a place significant to the protagonist Buleo, who is portrayed with respect and humanism. The film is free-spirited, bold, and grotesque, eschewing trends and formulas.
“Dream of Another Summer,” Irene Bartolomé (Colibrí Studio, I.B. Films, The Attic Productions)
Overview of ‘Dream of Another Summer’: This captivating tale revolves around a woman who faints, and a city plagued by destruction, serving as a backdrop for an exploration of how our surroundings shape us, and contemplating the resilience and mortality of urban landscapes.
Bartolomé shares with EbMaster, “This movie can be viewed as an intimate thriller, portraying a woman in turmoil amidst a city in distress, but it’s also a film exploring a unique relationship – between a woman and the city, Beirut. Amidst an economic crisis, this city is rebuilding itself after the devastation of the 4th of August explosion. The main character, however, remains largely unseen and unheard throughout the film. Instead, the audience becomes her eyes and ears, experiencing life as she does.”
“Mares (Mums),” Ariadna Seuba (Polar Star Films, Intactes Films)
Overview of the Festival: “Mares” guides viewers through an intimate and emotionally intense voyage alongside director Ari (32) and her partner Anna (41), as they strive to start a family together. Anna initiates the assisted reproduction process, while Ari documents each stage with her camera.
As a movie enthusiast, let me share my experience: “I, Seuba, invite you on a journey through the highs and lows of my life with Anna, my partner. Our story unfolds in ‘Mums’, which I painstakingly created by transforming our home into a film set over four eventful years. I’ve compiled more than five hundred hours of footage to offer an up-close look at our relationship, focusing on the rollercoaster ride of trying to start a family.”
“Prefiro condenarme,” Margarita Ledo-Andión (Nós Produtora Cinematográfica Galega)
Summary of the Festival: In 1972, Sagrario Fra, a seafood collector from Ferrol, was found guilty by the Ecclesiastical Court of Santiago de Compostela for adultery. During this era, numerous women were either incarcerated or institutionalized for crimes predominantly associated with their gender. However, Sagrario Fra perceives love as a form of rebellion. In a sense, Antigone’s spirit can be seen as dormant within Sagrario.
“According to a tale set during the Francoist dictatorship about forbidden love, this film tells the account of a woman who refuses to conform to traditional gender roles and her expected fate,” the director explains. “She is one of those who battle for rights that haven’t been officially recognized yet, proving through her defiance that nothing should ever be considered hopeless.”
“Río abajo, un tigre” (“Downriver, a Tiger”), Víctor Diago (Boogaloo Films)
Overview of the Festival: Julia moved to Glasgow in search of a fresh start, but now finds herself stuck after all these years. During the day, she focuses on photography, while at night she cleans dishes. One fateful afternoon, while taking photos of passersby, Julia starts experiencing vision problems due to an illness. As her condition worsens, she revisits her past and the city’s history, remembering a peculiar group that recovered items from the river, as well as Shubham, an Indian boy who, like herself, sought a new life here.
Producer Montse Pujol Solá explains that the self-funded movie, titled ‘Downriver, a Tiger’, was created independently, showcasing creativity and boldness outside the mainstream film industry. The narrative serves as an allegory for migration and its accompanying sadness, unfolding through the love story of two strangers. This film combines fiction with documentary-like storytelling, incorporating historical footage from the National Library of Scotland, to pay tribute to the countless migrants and workers who contributed to the development of post-industrial cities like Glasgow.
2021’s First Look Awards feature several prizes:
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2024-07-31 13:17