Locarno Film Festival has unveiled its jury line-up for the 79th edition, a diverse group of filmmakers, producers, and artists who will decide the winners of the prestigious Pardo d'Oro (Golden Leopard) and other awards. Among the notable names are Belgian filmmaker Fabrice Du Welz, Italian producer Marco Alessi, French actress Lolita Chammah, Chilean actress Paulina García, and Olivier Père, the former artistic director of the festival. The festival's commitment to supporting emerging talent is evident in the Filmmakers of the Present program, judged by Tunisian actress and director Afef Ben Mahmoud, Czech producer Radovan Síbrt, and Italian filmmaker Margherita Spampinato. The Pardi di Domani section, focusing on the filmmakers of the future, will be evaluated by Lebanese director, writer, and actress Mounia Akl, South African producer Steven Markovitz, and Italian director Antonio Piazza. The First Feature jury, honoring the best debut, includes Matthieu Darras, Sung Moon, and Swiss-Peruvian filmmaker Klaudia Reynicke. The Pardo for Change jury, dedicated to films addressing pressing social and environmental issues, comprises Gianluca Grossi, Somali-Austrian filmmaker Mo Harawe, and Seta Thakur. The festival's artistic director, Giona A. Nazzaro, emphasizes the importance of embracing the unexpected and being open to surprise and amazement. The 79th Locarno Film Festival will take place from August 5 to 15, offering a platform for diverse voices and perspectives in cinema.
