Power, People, Data: Divergent Perspectives Emerge at Locarno Pro Film Panel

The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival is currently underway in the picturesque Swiss lakeside city, featuring a prominent industry segment known as Locarno Pro. This year’s theme, “Power. People. Data.,” has sparked discussions about the interrelationship and hierarchy of these concepts within the film industry.

On the opening day of the 15th edition of Locarno Pro, led by Markus Duffner, the panelists presented diverse viewpoints on how to prioritize these three key elements. The session was moderated by AC Coppers from The Catalysts and included insights from Yasmine Talli, acquisitions manager at mk2 Films; Andrea Occhipinti, president and founder of Lucky Red; and Doris Ruth Eikhof, CEO of Design Otherwise, a company focused on enhancing inclusion and diversity in the cultural sector.

Differing Perspectives on Power, People, and Data

Eikhof articulated her perspective by emphasizing the importance of power structures before considering data and people. She stated that understanding power dynamics is essential for creating an environment where everyone can thrive. According to Eikhof, “People will be people. They’ll be more or less wise or more or less flawed. So, we sort out the power structures first and the stories that we tell about ourselves—that’s what data really is.”

In contrast, Occhipinti argued for a people-first approach. He highlighted the significance of judgment, sensitivity, and experience in decision-making, placing power second and data as a valuable tool. He remarked, “Judgment, sensitivity and experiences come first. Then comes power. And data is a very important tool that we have to use.”

Talli offered yet another perspective, suggesting a sequence of people, data, and then power. She noted that gathering data is crucial for maintaining power within the industry.

Decision-Making: Conviction vs. Data

The panel also explored how industry professionals balance their decisions between instinct and data. Occhipinti indicated that his company does not rely on algorithms for film selection. Instead, they prioritize instinct and experience. He provided examples of films like Ida and Moonlight, which defied conventional expectations but were ultimately deemed successful based on conviction rather than data.

He stated, “We go very much on instinct, sensitivity and experience. If there’s something that clicks in that film, in that story, even if data or comparables or whatever says don’t do it, often we have proved the contrary.” Occhipinti emphasized that while data is considered, it is not the sole determinant in their decision-making process.

Talli echoed a similar sentiment, explaining that mk2’s project evaluations involve emotional and human aspects alongside data. She elaborated on the importance of a director’s track record and the surrounding team, including producers and cast, as indicators of a film’s potential in the international market.

Collaborative Decision-Making Processes

Talli explained that mk2 employs a collaborative approach in decision-making. The company utilizes a pool of readers who recommend projects, which are then evaluated by the acquisitions team. This group decision-making process ensures that multiple perspectives are considered before moving forward.

“It’s a process that actually involves a lot of people,” Talli noted. “If the readers are recommending something, then we go to the next level to people in the acquisitions team.”

Insights from Industry Data Analyst

The panel session was part of the 2026 StepIn kick-off event, which followed a thought-provoking presentation by film industry data analyst Stephen Follows. His discussion, titled “Fear, Lies, and the Illusion of Control,” raised critical questions about the industry’s reliance on data. He highlighted the prevalence of “nepo baby creatives” among the top-grossing films of the century and the low profitability of independent films.

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-08-07 13:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk