Locarno Open Doors Program Strengthens African Filmmaking with 2026 Award Winners
The Locarno Open Doors program, part of the Locarno Film Festival, has concluded its 24th edition, focusing on filmmakers from Africa. This initiative aims to support artistic expression in regions where it is at risk. The winners of the 2026 edition were announced recently, highlighting the program’s commitment to nurturing talent from the continent.
Focus on African Voices
After a three-year emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean, the Open Doors program has shifted its focus to Africa. This change includes dedicated Projects, Producers, and Directors programs that offer training, mentoring, and networking opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival is currently ongoing and will run until August 15, 2026. This festival serves as a platform for showcasing diverse cinematic voices and fostering international collaborations.
Award Winners Announced
The Open Doors initiative awarded a total of CHF 50,000, sponsored by visions sud est, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and the City of Bellinzona. The grants were distributed among several projects, each highlighting unique narratives and cultural perspectives.
Open Doors Grant Recipients
- CHF 20,000 was awarded to A Vineyard for A Lobster by Talemwa Pius, produced by Emmanuel Gashumba from Gripmagic Uganda Limited. The film tells the story of Rukumba, a village that experiences an unexpected snowfall, leading to a series of events that challenge the community’s dynamics and authority.
- CHF 20,000 also went to Accept My Plea for Burial by Mohammed Sheikh, produced by Kadir Harbi of Aleel Films. This narrative follows two boys in a Somali village whose lives are turned upside down by a tragic accident, exploring themes of grief, justice, and community conflict.
- CHF 10,000 was granted to Too Much Music by Aseye Fiagbe, which is a documentary about Kiki Gyan, a Ghanaian musician whose life reflects the struggles of recognition and legacy in the music industry.
CNC Development Grant
The CNC development prize, valued at €8,000, was awarded to Chapa 100 by Ique Langa, produced by Lara Sousa of Kulunga Filmes. This film portrays the life of an elderly flower vendor in Maputo, whose spirit remains intertwined with the city after a tragic event.
ARTEKino International Award
The ARTEKino International Award, worth €6,000, was given to The Ones With the Tempered Flowers by Neema Ngelime, produced by Ivy Kiru from LBx Africa. This project explores the complexities of womanhood and societal expectations in Tanzania.
Additional Awards
The Sørfond Award, which includes participation in the Sørfond Pitching Forum, was also awarded to The Ones With the Tempered Flowers. The EAVE Award, in collaboration with the Film Fund Luxembourg, was granted to Mamounata Nikiema from Burkina Faso for her commitment to strengthening local film production.
The Tabakalera-San Sebastian Film Festival Residency Award was given to I Live in V.I. by Ugochukwu Azuya, produced by Olubunmi Ogunsola of ENSEMBLE. This project addresses universal themes of displacement and social struggle.
The Rotterdam Lab Award will allow a participant from the Open Doors Producers to join a training workshop in January 2027, fostering international collaboration among emerging filmmakers.
The Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) awarded a consultancy prize to Sarah by Pocas Pascoal from Angola, focusing on the life of revolutionary filmmaker Sarah Maldoror.
Finally, the AFP Critics Prize, which includes a cash award and ongoing editorial coverage, was awarded to Submergido by Ariel Añez, produced by Joseph Mata. This film provides a poignant exploration of the human cost of conflict.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-08-10 15:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk