Swiss-born director and designer Marcel Barelli is set to receive the prestigious Locarno Kids Award at the 78th edition of the Locarno Film Festival this summer. The award, presented by la Mobiliare, will be conferred on the evening of Tuesday, August 12. Barelli will also unveil the Swiss premiere of his latest animated film, Mary Anning, chasseuse de fossiles, which pays homage to the pioneering British paleontologist who transformed the field in the early 19th century.
The festival, renowned for its commitment to showcasing innovative cinema, has also released the lineup for this year’s Locarno Kids Screenings. This section, dedicated to younger audiences, will feature Arco, a French animated feature that explores themes of unexpected friendship and environmental impact. The film, which won the best film award at this year’s Annecy film festival, boasts Natalie Portman as one of its producers.
Marcel Barelli: A Unique Voice in Animation
Barelli has carved a niche for himself as a distinctive and promising voice in both Swiss and international animation cinema. His body of work, including short films like Gypaetus helveticus (2011), Vigia (2013), Lucens (2015), and Habitat (2016), demonstrates a unique poetic style that is particularly sensitive to themes of environmental sustainability. His films often explore the intricate relationships between humans, animals, and nature.
In 2022, Barelli was honored with the Swiss Film Award for best animated film for Dans la nature (2021). According to Locarno organizers, “Barelli has established himself as one of the most promising and original voices in Swiss and international animation cinema.”
“Marcel Barelli represents an idea of resistance to the conformism of emotions, which becomes a light and dreamy trait to outline a world to rethink and rebuild, returning it to human beings of all ages,” said Giona A. Nazzaro, artistic director of the Locarno Film Festival.
Spotlight on Locarno Kids Screenings
The Locarno Kids Screenings section is a highlight of the festival, offering a platform for films that resonate with younger audiences while addressing significant contemporary issues. This year’s lineup includes a mix of Swiss and international premieres, showcasing a diverse array of storytelling styles and themes.
Featured Films
- Arco by Ugo Bienvenu – Opening Film, Swiss Premiere
- Fantastique by Marjolijn Prins – World Premiere
- Grevlingene (The Badgers) by Paul M. Lundø – Closing Film, World Premiere
- io non ti lascio solo by Fabrizio Cattani – World Premiere
- L’Olívia i el terratrèmol invisible (Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake) by Irene Iborra Rizo – International Premiere
- Skrzat. Nowy początek (Pixie. The New Beginning) by Krzysztof Komander – International Premiere
- Tichá pošta (Secret Delivery) by Ján Sebechlebský – International Premiere
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Locarno’s Choices
The Locarno Film Festival, running from August 6-16, continues to be a beacon for innovative and thought-provoking cinema. By honoring filmmakers like Marcel Barelli and showcasing films such as Arco, the festival underscores its commitment to fostering creativity and addressing pressing global issues through the lens of cinema.
This year’s selections highlight the festival’s dedication to engaging younger audiences with content that is both entertaining and enlightening. As the festival unfolds, the impact of these films will likely extend beyond the screen, sparking conversations about environmental sustainability, friendship, and the power of storytelling.
As the festival approaches, anticipation builds for the stories that will captivate audiences and the discussions that will follow. The Locarno Film Festival remains a vital platform for filmmakers and audiences alike, celebrating the transformative power of cinema.
