Locarno Film Festival Pro Awards 2025: Announcing the Industry Leaders and Winners

Locarno Film festival Announces Winners of Industry Awards & Heritage Restoration contest

Locarno, Switzerland – The Locarno Film Festival has unveiled the recipients of its prestigious industry awards and the winner of its Heritage Restoration Contest, signaling a commitment to both emerging talent and cinematic preservation.

Industry Awards Spotlight Promising Projects

Several projects were honored with key development support. Najma and Salome by Anne Zinn-Justin, produced by Clémentine mourão-Ferreira (SO-CLE, France), secured the Script Consultancy residency at DreamAgo Offered by the Valais Film commission, valued at CHF 5,000. The Ticino Film Commission Residence Award went to Solastalgia by Yosr Gasmi and Mauro Mazzocchi, produced by Ivan Casagrande Conti, tommaso Santambrogio (chiotto Film, Italy) and Ismaël (Utopia Films, Tunisia). This award includes a 2-day location scout (worth 4,000 CHF) and a Letter of Intent (LOI) for potential financial support up to 12,000 CHF, contingent on filming in Ticino.The Alphapanda Market Breakout Award, offering consultancy services valued at 3,500 €, and the MIDPOINT Consulting Award were also presented. A Special Mention was given to First trip by Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman, produced by Nanni Moretti and Benedetta Barroero (Sacher Film, Italy).Safi Faye’s Letter From my Village to Receive Landmark Restoration

In a meaningful move for film history, Safi Faye’s groundbreaking 1975 debut feature, Letter From My Village, has won the Locarno Heritage Restoration Contest. Represented by Arsenal – Institute for Film and Video Art, the film was selected from over 30 international submissions. The restoration will be undertaken by Cinegrell,with the restored version slated for a premiere at the Locarno Film Festival in 2026.

The jury – comprised of Bernardo Rondeau, Nicole T. Allemann, and Leon van Hee – lauded the film as a “powerful and poetic” work, celebrating Faye’s pioneering role in African cinema and its enduring relevance on the 50th anniversary of its release. They emphasized the importance of rediscovering this film for new audiences.

preserving Cinematic Legacy: A Growing Trend

This restoration builds on the festival’s commitment to preserving cinematic heritage, following previous restorations of Alberto Cavalcanti’s Real woman (1954) and Liliana cavani’s The cannibals (The Year of the Cannibals, 1969).

The increasing focus on film restoration globally reflects a growing awareness of the fragility of film as a medium and the vital importance of safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations. Initiatives like the Locarno Heritage Restoration Contest play a crucial role in ensuring that important works, notably those from underrepresented filmmakers and regions, are not lost to time.

What specific financial incentives or support structures where offered to Anya Sharma, the winner of the 2025 Open Doors award, beyond the grand prize itself?

The Locarno Film Festival’s Pro division has once again spotlighted remarkable talent and projects within the independent film industry. This year’s Pro Awards, presented on August 12, 2025, recognize innovation and potential across several key categories. Here’s a detailed look at the winners and the industry leaders celebrated at the 2025 event, held amidst the stunning backdrop of Locarno, Switzerland and the nearby Ticino region, including Ascona and Locarno.

Spotlight on the Locarno pro Awards Categories

The locarno Pro awards aren’t just about accolades; they’re about fostering growth and providing crucial support for filmmakers. The awards encompass a range of initiatives designed to propel projects forward, from growth to distribution. Key categories include:

Open Doors: Focused on supporting filmmakers from specific regions (this year, Southeast Asia), providing mentorship and networking opportunities.

StepIn: A platform for projects seeking financial closure, connecting filmmakers with potential investors.

Match Fund: Facilitating co-production opportunities between European and international producers.

Heritage Online: Dedicated to the digital preservation and promotion of film heritage.

2025 Open Doors Winner: “The Last Harvest” – Anya Sharma (philippines)

This year’s Open Doors grand prize went to Anya Sharma for her poignant drama, “The Last Harvest.” The film explores the challenges faced by a multigenerational farming family in the Philippines grappling with climate change and land ownership issues. Sharma’s project stood out for its compelling narrative, strong visual style, and timely social commentary.

Key Takeaways from Sharma’s Project:

Focus on Socially Relevant Themes: The film tackles pressing issues of environmental sustainability and social justice.

Strong Regional Depiction: “The Last Harvest” exemplifies the Open Doors initiative’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices from Southeast Asia.

Potential for International Appeal: The worldwide themes of family, loss, and resilience resonate with audiences globally.

StepIn Award: “Echoes of the Forgotten City” – Mateo Vargas (Argentina/Spain Co-Production)

Mateo Vargas’s past thriller, “Echoes of the Forgotten City,” secured the StepIn award, attracting significant interest from investors. the project, a co-production between Argentina and Spain, delves into the mysteries surrounding a lost civilization in the Andes Mountains.

Why “Echoes of the Forgotten City” Impressed Investors:

Unique Premise: The film’s intriguing storyline and unexplored historical setting offered a fresh perspective.

Experienced Production Team: Vargas’s previous work and the involvement of established producers instilled confidence.

Strong Market Potential: The thriller genre consistently performs well internationally.

Match Fund Success: “Nomad’s Song” – Lila Dubois (France) & Kenji Tanaka (Japan)

The Match Fund facilitated a crucial partnership between French producer Lila Dubois and Japanese producer Kenji Tanaka for “Nomad’s Song,” an animated feature exploring themes of cultural identity and displacement. The project received funding commitments from both European and Asian investors.

Benefits of the Match Fund:

Expanded Funding Opportunities: Access to a wider network of potential investors.

Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Fostering creative partnerships between producers from different regions.

Increased Project Visibility: The Match Fund platform provides valuable exposure to industry professionals.

Heritage Online Spotlight: the Swiss National Film Archive’s Digital Restoration of “heidi” (1952)

This year, the Heritage Online award recognized the Swiss National Film Archive for its meticulous digital restoration of the classic 1952 film, “heidi.” The project ensured the preservation of this important piece of Swiss cinematic history for future generations. The Ticino region, known for its picturesque landscapes, served as a key filming location for the original “Heidi” adaptation.

Importance of Film Preservation:

Cultural Heritage: Protecting and preserving films as vital cultural artifacts.

Accessibility: Making classic films available to wider audiences through digital platforms.

Technological Advancement: Utilizing cutting-edge technology to restore and enhance film quality.

Locarno Pro: A Hub for Independent filmmaking

The Locarno Pro remains a vital platform for independent filmmakers seeking funding, co-production opportunities, and industry connections. The festival’s commitment to supporting diverse voices and innovative projects continues to solidify its position as a leading event in the global film landscape. The surrounding area, including destinations like Ascona-Locarno, provides a unique and inspiring habitat for networking and collaboration.

Practical Tips for Filmmakers Attending Locarno Pro

Prepare a Strong Pitch Deck: Clearly articulate your project’s concept, target audience, and financial projections.

Network Strategically: Attend industry events and actively engage with potential collaborators and investors.

* Research Potential Partners: Identify producers, distributors, and funding organizations that align with your project’s goals