93 Films from the Locarno Film Festival

A well-educated man from Mauritania travels to Paris seeking employment, but faces obstacles due to his ethnicity.

This film explores the developing friendship between two very different people in 19th-century England. A man fleeing the law and his violent past must survive on the run while being hunted. He meets a resourceful young orphan escaping an abusive…

At a secluded Buddhist monastery, a young man grapples with the fallout of a forbidden love. He becomes responsible for his sister's pregnancy, and as rumors spread, he's offered a chance at redemption by becoming an assistant to a master…

In Lausanne, Léon accidentally becomes involved with a small Leninist group and meets Léa, a committed activist and the group leader's lover. The police closely monitor their activities, and conflict is inevitable.

Two teenagers seeking an escape from their town find an unexpected connection at a local modeling school. The school offers the possibility of a brighter future, but the girls are increasingly pressured to endure extreme physical violations in pursuit of…

In a bleak village nestled in the Schwabian-Frankish Forest, Lena endures a loveless marriage to Johannes, the village's spiritual leader. Her days are filled with routine: caring for others, playing the organ, and fulfilling her marital duties. The sudden murder…

A widowed father, Ma Lisheng, struggles to connect with his school-age son, Ma Che. While holding a mundane job as a party functionary, Ma finds raising his son incredibly difficult. He oscillates between attempts at bonding – even sharing drinks…

A man returns to his family after fifteen years away. Five-year-old Aurelie is drawn to him instantly, but her older sister is immediately suspicious, fearing bad luck. The adults remain oblivious, but they are deeply affected when tragedy occurs, particularly…

Three teenage sisters, Marina, Sofía, and Violeta, grapple with grief after the death of their grandmother, who was their primary caregiver. They navigate their individual mourning processes within a home filled with shared memories, family obligations, and underlying tensions.

A new employee at a transportation hub confronts widespread corruption within the company.

A family in a remote village is forced to sell their beloved sheep in Ankara to ensure their future, embarking on a challenging train journey filled with both hope and anxiety. The long trip tests their strength as they encounter…

Young composer Mikhail Glinka presents his new work at a gathering hosted by Count Vielgorsky. The audience, used to Western music, responds with indifference to his creation, deeply upsetting him. He then travels to Italy to further his musical studies.…

A committed communist finds himself disheartened as political shifts occur and his fellow workers don't embody the principles he holds dear.

Anne, a receptionist, begins a relationship with Peter, an aspiring writer. This connection exposes her to a lifestyle very different from her own comfortable, middle-class life.

Zbynek Brynych directs this psychological drama, set in the World War II Theresienstadt ghetto. The film offers a stark, visual depiction of the daily struggles of the Theresienstadt residents, told through a series of poignant stories. Their hopes and aspirations…

This heartwarming film centers on a French mayor who tries to gain attention for his town by finding a long-lost father for a set of quintuplets. Fernandel stars as the quintuplets' father, and the film portrays their reunion with touching…

In a peaceful village in southern China, Fang Xiuying, 67, has been living with advanced Alzheimer's disease for years. After unsuccessful treatment, she has returned home and is now bedridden. Surrounded by family and neighbors, they watch over her as…

Maisie and Tony reunite with their mother for Eileen's wedding, hoping for a happy family gathering. But as the film explores their shared past through flashbacks, it becomes clear that their relationships have been marked by pain. Their father's physical…

Mohammed lives with his wife and five children in a home situated between a Palestinian village and an Israeli settlement. The house becomes a strategically important location and is occupied by the army. Despite the presence of Israeli soldiers, Mohammed…

Davey Gordon, a seasoned but aging boxer in New York City, finds an unexpected connection with Gloria Price, a talented dancer. Their shared passion for the arts sparks a strong bond, but their growing romance is threatened by Gloria's troubled…

This is the story of a young orphan girl who was rejected by her mother.

Amma (Smita Patil) experiences unimaginable trauma when she is raped and then forced to flee her home with her husband and child after he kills the attacker. Their situation worsens in the city when her husband is killed by smugglers,…

Following World War II, Berlin is a ruined city. A resourceful twelve-year-old boy tries to survive amidst the devastation. His family struggles with poverty, and he feels a heavy responsibility to help them. He learns to adapt and find ways…

In 1159 Japan, during a violent uprising, samurai Moritō risks everything to protect the beautiful Kesa. Their lives intertwine amidst the chaos, sparking a strong affection in Moritō. His happiness is shattered when he learns Kesa is already married. This…

Willie is eager to serve his country and become a war hero when he leaves home. His hopes are dashed when he's assigned to training in his own town, delaying his chance to fight. But fate intervenes when he's accidentally…

This is a story about a talented young musician struggling financially, whose love for Ricky Nelson's music inspires them. They admire Nelson's talent and see him as someone to look up to, hoping to achieve a similar impact with their…

In Northern Italy, a young worker at a sugar refinery experiences an unexpected turning point when a woman gently rejects his marriage proposal. Struggling with the rejection and feeling stifled, he impulsively leaves home to find himself. Traveling through the…

Ambition and loyalty collide when Julius Caesar is assassinated by a group led by Brutus. This film explores the resulting turmoil in ancient Rome and its impact on the republic's future. It examines the political landscape and how Caesar's death…

A mysterious woman named Carmen captivates a young soldier named Joe with her charm. She uses her allure to escape prison, and they begin a passionate relationship that feels like it could be extraordinary. But their love faces difficulties when…

Two couples face difficult situations, and their lives become intertwined with the discovery of a body in a river.

In Lisbon, a Cape Verdean woman searches for remnants of her late husband, uncovering a hidden side of his life.

An ordinary worker at a car company is invited to the secluded mountain home of its wealthy owner, Giovanni Nosferatu. He soon finds himself in a strange, opulent world where the pursuit of profit has taken on a dark, predatory…

Years after the war, a Polish man returns to the Swiss-German border camp where he was interned. He reflects on his time there, encountering fellow Polish prisoners – including women he had feelings for – who were also confined in…

Set in Italy, the drama follows Antonio Magnano as he struggles with an unexpected problem: he can't consummate his marriage to the beautiful Barbara Puglisi, disrupting their happy new life. Despite a year of love and affection, this intimate issue…

Right after getting his graduate degree, Jacob waits at a train station, ready for what's next. But his plans are shattered when he's overwhelmed by vivid memories of the turbulent 1960s: war, injustice, assassinations, protests – a whirlwind of anger…

Andi, a quiet and isolated teenager, is the only one who sees a young girl drown in a neglected canal.

On the final day of winter break in a quiet Northern Chinese village, four bored teenagers gather at the home of Zhou Zhixin, who lives with his father, brother, and nephew. Like many teens today, they just want to spend…

The film portrays a young Czechoslovakian teenager starting his first job, exploring the difficulties and satisfactions of early adulthood as he grows. Realistic scenes show him balancing new responsibilities with his teenage dreams as he enters the workforce. The movie…

In early 20th-century France, film producer Emile takes in his friend's daughter, Lucette, while his friend tours the country. Emile falls in love with her. Trouble begins when Emile's younger friend Jacques returns from military service, complaining about his luck…

Simone, a law student specializing in criminal law and women's rights, leads a double life. She works as a cam girl, performing live adult content online. One night, a video sparks her curiosity about BDSM, drawing her into a world…

In 1825, Paul-Louis Courier, a Republican writer famous for his anti-monarchy pamphlets, is found murdered on the farm where he'd retired. Police investigate, questioning those who knew him – both friends and enemies – to determine if it was a…

This documentary-style drama follows a young African boxer who travels to Paris in pursuit of a professional boxing career.

This film explores a love triangle between a theater director, an actress, and an actor, blurring the lines between performance and reality. As the actress chooses the actor over the director, she soon finds herself questioning her decision. The story…

Bound by their relationships, nine women navigate life's hardships and setbacks with strength.

In the yard of a village school in Iran, a large stoneware jar provides fresh water for all the students, shaded by a tree. One day, the jar begins to leak. The schoolmaster tries to find a replacement, but without…

This film explores the lives of five people and how they are connected. A dedicated secretary is at the center, and her relationships with others are complicated. She has a sister with intellectual disabilities, which deepens their relationship. Her teacher…

Following her father's funeral, Ann Chapin reflects on the past five years of his life – a period marked by perceived political and personal setbacks, overshadowed by his wife's unhappiness and reliance on alcohol. However, glimpses begin to surface of…

Valkó, a young architect, strives to design a modern apartment building that will remain relevant for decades. However, his forward-thinking proposals are repeatedly dismissed by his self-serving and dismissive bosses. Ultimately, he resorts to designing only a bachelor apartment instead…

In the Philippines, 1972, unsettling events plague a secluded village. Strange cries echo from the woods, livestock are brutally murdered, a man is discovered fatally wounded on a roadside, and homes are set ablaze. Amidst this growing chaos, Ferdinand E.…

In a quiet monastery, three people seek wisdom. An aging master shares his teachings with patience. A young orphan finds a home and looks for guidance to navigate life. A man from the city seeks enlightenment and inner peace. As…

A wealthy film producer and his troubled teenage son find their already strained relationship worsening after the son is involved in a fight at a movie theater, resulting in a breakdown in communication and escalating problems.

Philippe, a wealthy industrialist, is caring for his bedridden wife. Childless, he decides to take a vacation to the coast and impulsively invites Paul, a young working-class boy, to join him. Paul experiences firsthand the opulent world of the upper…

A young girl in Tehran finds herself alone after her mother doesn't pick her up from school. What starts as a simple trip home becomes a journey of independence and self-reliance as she navigates the city. The film follows her…

Ruža emigrated from Serbia to Zurich over 30 years ago and now lives a predictable life. That changes when Ana appears, disrupting Ruža’s carefully constructed routine. A quiet friendship blossoms between the two independent women.

In Singapore, a police officer investigates the vanishing of a Chinese migrant worker. The worker had been losing sleep playing an unusual video game.

Imprisoned for twenty years by the fascist regime, Antonio Gramsci reflects on the key moments of his political journey and personal life.

Nenette and Boni, siblings separated after their parents' divorce, have little history. Boni, favored by their mother, now works as a pizza baker with a unique couple. His life is upended when Nenette unexpectedly returns home after fleeing boarding school.…

Beto maintains a house in Mexico City, vacant for years, where he once worked as a domestic. A decade of solitude and routine have created a secluded life that feels safe and stable to him, a refuge from a world…

On a farm in the Alps, an older couple raise two children: Belli, who aspires to be a teacher, and Franzi, who is deaf and retains a childlike innocence despite his hard labor. Belli tutors Franzi. Overwhelmed by frustration with…

Grief-stricken after his daughter's murder at school, a widower unexpectedly encounters the mother of the killer when he relocates to a small town in Hokkaido.

Tatyana Prokofievna, a woman past her prime with a flair for the dramatic, leads a quiet, unremarkable life. Seeking excitement, she develops relationships with younger men, offering them support and becoming entangled in their lives. Her former partner has moved…

This film presents a somber, documentary-style look at a teenager repeatedly confronted with setbacks.

In the final days of World War II, a Japanese soldier with tuberculosis is abandoned on the devastated Philippine island of Leyte. Left alone after his unit retreats, he must survive the dangerous landscape while battling his own declining health.…

Hungarian refugee Peter Kuban faces deportation after fleeing a ship in New York. He must locate Tom, an American veteran he aided during the war, who can verify Peter's claim to legal entry into the U.S. Failing to find Tom…

Mr. Zhao's film centers on a doctor in Shanghai who has an affair. His life becomes complicated when his mistress, Tian Jing, tells him she's pregnant. At the same time, his wife discovers the affair but refuses to divorce him.

The film explores the eternal question of finding one's place in the world, focusing on a group of young people navigating life's challenges. They move through their neighborhoods, experiencing both conflict and moments of beauty. Amidst fights and police encounters,…

Four years after the Portuguese revolution and the end of its African empire, a director resorts to selling weapons to fund his theatrical ambitions.

On April 25, 1974, Marco, a 25-year-old Italian, and his Portuguese friend Victor drive from Paris to Lisbon in a yellow Citroen 2CV. They're heading to Lisbon, which is celebrating its liberation from Europe's longest dictatorship. Joining them is Claire,…

A nurse profits from selling the identification of patients with dementia on the black market. Motivated by quick money and a morphine addiction, she battles a growing sense of emptiness and the increasing risk of being caught.

Raï follows a group of young people in a Parisian suburb. Mezz, Aziz, Laurent, Nordine, Poisson, and their friends have grown up in this diverse community. Life in Garges-les-Gonesses offers little hope; unemployment is widespread, and drugs and violence are…

Krzysztof Zanussi's film follows a young physics student for ten years as he faces life's challenges, which test his faith in reason and science. The story shows how tragedy and relationships slowly shake his belief in the power of scientific…

Ajo Kawir is a fearless fighter, unafraid of anything, including death. His intense need to fight stems from a hidden vulnerability: he is impotent. After a brutal encounter with a strong female fighter named Iteung, Ajo is badly injured but…

During the summer, Nagisa and Natsuo meet at the beach. They share hesitant conversation, their eyes meeting across the water as they walk into the rain. In the winter, Li, a screenwriter, visits a snow-covered village. She discovers a guesthouse…

Mechanic Behnke initially seeks to join the Nazi party for financial stability. His perspective shifts dramatically after his Jewish neighbors are deported. Attempting to avoid political involvement, he isolates himself and becomes a worker for the Nazi regime.

A man struggles against a stifling world where outward appearances are valued above all else, gradually eroding his true self.

A young Hungarian immigrant journeys across America with his close friend and adventurous cousin. Their travels present cultural, language, and geographical obstacles that challenge their friendship, bravery, and strength. The film shows how the three men adjust to a new…

Michel, a retired math teacher living alone after his wife's death, spends his days writing an essay exploring the beliefs that influence everyday life. His solitude is disrupted when Dora, a young homeless woman, arrives at his door injured. He…

Amir lives a solitary existence, his only companion a dog. He navigates the dangerous underbelly of Tehran, selling drugs and offering solace to those struggling with pain, almost like a modern-day guide. Lost in the city, he relies on his…

During a sweltering summer night, the tenants of a Hungarian apartment building facing demolition grapple with their past as they contemplate an uncertain future. Through vivid dreams filled with nostalgia and personal memories, the impending demolition feels secondary to the…

Director Ham Chunsu accidentally arrives in Suwon a day before his scheduled lecture. With free time, he visits a restored palace and meets artist Yoon Heejung. They visit her workshop, share dinner with sushi and soju, and connect. Later, they…

Pierre, a young man living in Brussels, is unemployed and secretly turned to pickpocketing to make ends meet, a fact unknown to his girlfriend, Barbara. He shares the stolen money each week with a young Tunisian immigrant he meets every…

Tokio, a Japanese tourist, encounters a 15-year-old Hong Kong girl and her grandmother who are staying behind in Hong Kong while the rest of their family moves to Canada.

A wealthy family retreats to a secluded country villa, indulging in a life of complete leisure. Their days are filled with inactivity, attended to by a young maid. Lost in sleep and surrounded by idleness, the family exists in a…

A renowned womanizer encounters a new servant who will be present at his death, transitioning from the decadent atmosphere of an 18th-century castle to the bleak landscapes of Northern Europe. There, his logical worldview is challenged by a powerful, passionate…

This adaptation of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale tells the story of an emperor who favors a jeweled mechanical bird's music over the song of a real nightingale. As the Emperor nears death, the nightingale's song miraculously restores his…

This film offers a brief look into the lives of siblings Amanda and Tito as they navigate the shadowy world of Santiago's criminal underbelly over a few days and nights. It presents a broad view of Chilean society.

Mei, a young woman fleeing her home in rural China, travels west. After a difficult job in Chongqing, she goes to London and marries an older man, finding herself increasingly trapped.

Amidst the turmoil of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent civil war, a gifted young woman struggles to find happiness.

Ayesha, a widow, lives a quiet life with her son Saleem in a small Pakistani town near the Indian border, harboring a hidden history. When Islamic nationalism spreads, Saleem and other young men become increasingly devoted to religious extremism, seeking…

In Eldorado, a nation marked by both vibrancy and political turmoil, widespread corruption threatens the country’s future. Journalist Paulo Martins, seasoned and disillusioned, struggles to uncover the truth amidst deceit. As Paulo investigates political wrongdoing, he confronts two powerful enemies:…

Riccardo, a young radical who went into hiding in South America to avoid authorities, returns to Italy after five years. He finds his former activist group fractured and struggling with their original goals. Some members are lost in despair or…

Celebrating a century since its founding, a Geneva watchmaking company's 50-year-old grandson, Charles Dé, unexpectedly breaks from his family. Speaking strangely to a reporter, he acknowledges his grandfather's skill and his son's business acumen but remains guarded about himself. He…