Bloody Tennis, Tunisian Horror, and a Surgeon With Kleptomania: Unconventional Films Set to Dazzle at Locarno 2026
The Locarno Film Festival, renowned for showcasing world premieres from both established and emerging filmmakers, is set to take place from August 5 to 15, 2026. This year’s 79th edition promises an eclectic mix of cinematic offerings, including hidden gems and festival highlights. Audiences can anticipate a lineup that embraces the unexpected, featuring quirky and offbeat films that challenge conventional storytelling.
A Glimpse into the Unusual
Among the standout films at Locarno 2026 is Wandering Trees (Alberi erranti), directed by Salvatore. This film is part of the International competition and tells the poignant story of Piero and his son Giuliano, who live in a farmhouse in Sardinia filled with injured animals. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when local authorities seek to drive them out. Following a snowstorm that leads to Piero’s disappearance and the death of the animals, Giuliano embarks on a quest to find his father, encountering love along the way.
The film explores themes of childhood wonder and resilience against the harsh realities of adulthood. Director Mereu emphasizes the emotional depth required to tell a love story, stating, “To tell a love story, you mustn’t be afraid to open up emotionally.” He co-wrote the script with Alberto Capitta, aiming to blend magical imagery with profound narrative elements.
Exploring Human Relationships in Objet A
Objet A, directed by Ann Oren, also features in the International competition. This film delves into the intricate dynamics of human relationships, intimacy, and identity, using the body as a central element of its storytelling. The narrative follows Ingeborg and Adam, two visionary hand surgeons whose lives become increasingly entangled with desire and obsession.
The film presents a unique perspective on kleptomania, as Ingeborg is compelled to steal objects while Adam longs to become one himself. Their lives take a turn when Gaia, an enigmatic character, enters the picture, leading to unexpected desires that disrupt their carefully maintained balance. Oren, who has previously showcased her work at Locarno, aims to explore the connections between human desire and the natural world, stating, “The human body is the starting point for my cinematic language.”
The Dark Side of Sports in Bloody Tennis
In the Out of Competition section, Bloody Tennis, directed by Nikias Chryssos, takes a disturbing look at the world of elite sports. The film follows Sophie, who joins a prestigious tennis academy where the competitive atmosphere is marked by brutality and ambition. The synopsis warns that only the most driven athletes survive in this harsh environment.
The cast includes Sandra Guldberg Kampp and Helena Zengel, among others, with a score by Jim Williams. The film promises a gripping exploration of the darker aspects of competitive sports, hinting at “blood-sucking leeches, hard-hitting serves, and delicious nightmares.”
Urban Horror in Bakma
Bakma, directed by Abdelhamid Bouchnak, presents a chilling narrative set in Tunisia. This urban horror thriller, which Bouchnak also wrote and edited, follows Commissioner Ali and Khaled as they investigate a ritualistic murder. The gruesome details include a victim whose limbs have been severed and whose head has been grotesquely replaced with that of a dog.
Artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro highlighted the film’s commentary on political corruption in Tunisia, linking it to the aftermath of the Arab Spring. Bouchnak’s work aims to shed light on the societal issues facing the country while delivering a gripping horror narrative.
Reflecting on the Past in Tomorrow a Long Time Ago
Tomorrow a Long Time Ago (Morgen vor langer Zeit), directed by Luise Donschen, is part of the Filmmakers of the Present Competition. The film features minimal dialogue, focusing instead on the actions and experiences of its characters. Set against the backdrop of German reunification in 1990, it follows Patty, a 50-year-old woman who faces personal upheaval as she loses her job and a close friend.
The narrative captures her journey through a small East German town, where she collects discarded objects and meets a younger man named Franz. Donschen’s film reflects on the transformative moments of history and personal experience, drawing from her own childhood in the GDR.
Fantasy and Adventure in Donkey Princess
Donkey Princess (Princesa Burro), directed by Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña, is another intriguing entry in the International competition. The film follows Princess Diana, who defies her father’s prohibition against love. When she falls for Lalo, the King banishes him, prompting Diana to use a magical bracelet to travel to different worlds in search of her love.
The filmmakers aim to explore various genres through Diana’s adventures, with each universe she visits reshaping the film’s narrative. Their approach allows for a playful exploration of fantasy and reality, blending different cinematic styles.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-07-29 13:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk