Spring Story, The Surubí, Yazz Among Winners of Locarno Pro Industry Awards
The Locarno Film Festival’s Locarno Pro industry strand announced its award winners on Sunday, highlighting significant projects in the film industry. This year’s ceremony featured the First Look works-in-progress section, which showcased films nearing completion, alongside the co-development program Alliance 4 Development, the Antaviana Spanish Previews Award, and the fourth Heritage Restoration Contest.
Award Ceremony Highlights
The winners were revealed during the Locarno Pro Award Ceremony, which took place on Sunday. The featured projects competing for the First Look awards were primarily from Uruguay, the festival’s focus country for this year.
The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival is set to run until August 15, 2026, providing a platform for emerging talent and innovative storytelling.
First Look Awards
The First Look section recognized several notable projects, with a focus on works-in-progress.
Bright Side of the Moon First Look Award
This award, which includes complete color grading services, was given to Historia de primavera (Spring Story), directed by Gabriela Guillermo and Irina Raffo. The film is produced by Guillermo and Raffo (L’Avventura Cine) along with Germán Ormaechea (Animista Cine).
Synopsis: Set in Montevideo’s Botanical Garden, the film explores a fleeting encounter that ignites a passionate love between Agustín and Bruno. As Bruno departs for Venice, their desire persists across oceans, intertwining with a Spinozist professor and rival passions. The narrative delves into themes of jealousy, freedom, and the fragile ethics of attachment.
Jury Statement: The jury praised the film for its candid depiction of longing and desire, connecting those who dare to be driven by it.
La Mayor Cine Award
This award, offering complete sound post-production services, was presented to El Surubí (The Surubí), directed by Lorenzo Tocco. The film is produced by Pancho Magnou Arnabal and Isabel García (Montelona) and co-produced by Kocria (Brazil).
Synopsis: The story unfolds in an industrial town on the brink of disappearance, which transforms overnight into a site of miraculous apparitions. The locals seize the chance to market the town as a mystical tourism destination, but divine power becomes a dangerous weapon in a community desperate for salvation.
Music Library & SFX/Acorde Award
This award, valued at EUR 45,000 for music supervision services, was also awarded to El Surubí.
Jannuzzi Smith Award
The design of an international poster worth EUR 10,000 was awarded to El Surubí.
Le Film Français Award
This award, providing EUR 5,600 of advertising space, was given to Historia de primavera.
Alliance 4 Development
The co-development platform recognized several projects, including:
Nebel Studios Award
Valued at CHF 30,500 for three days of studio use and five days of camera equipment, this award went to Yazz, directed by Florian Hoffmann and produced by Katrin Renz (tellfilm GmbH, Switzerland), Nicole Gerhards (NiKo Film, Germany), and Xénia Maingot (Eaux Vives Productions, France).
Synopsis: The film follows Yasmine, known as Yazz, who grows up on a UN compound in the Central African Republic. Caught between privilege and danger, a secret escape to see her local boyfriend Joseph leads to an accident that tears her family apart. Ten years later, her mother reappears in Switzerland with Joseph, forcing Yazz to confront her past.
Statement: The jury highlighted the unique perspective of Yazz, noting its advanced stage of development and strong recognition, with experienced co-production partners and secured funding in Switzerland.
Masé Studios Award
This award, offering CHF 3,000 in cash, was presented to Sparare alle Angurie (Shooting Watermelons), directed by Antonio Donato and produced by Santiago Fondevila Sancet (Cinedora, Italy).
Synopsis: The film depicts a difficult summer vacation taken by an authoritarian father with his two grown sons, exploring themes of family dynamics and rivalry.
Masé Studios Post-Production Award
Valued at CHF 25,000 in post-production services, this award was shared by two films: Cuore Matto, directed by Tamer Ruggli, and Les Orages Magnétiques (Magnetic Storms), directed by Wendy Pillonel.
Synopsis of Cuore Matto: Set in Bienne in 1969, the film follows Matteo, a 17-year-old aspiring actor, as he navigates desire and identity while his mother begins her own quiet emancipation.
Synopsis of Les Orages Magnétiques: The film centers on Jo, a young rugby talent, who finds herself stranded in an Italian village during a crucial competition, grappling with her father’s behavior and her own identity.
Studio13/Valais Film Commission Award
This award, valued at CHF 12,000 for five days of studio use, was awarded to Yazz.
Ticino Film Commission Residence Award
Offering a two-day location scout (CHF 4,000) and potential financial support of up to CHF 12,000, this award was presented to Le Règne des Silures (Reign of Silures), directed by Jessica Puppo.
Synopsis: The film follows Maïa, a concierge at a luxury thermal palace, as she navigates the complexities of family and societal expectations amidst environmental themes.
Statement: The jury noted the film’s strong connection to the Swiss-Italian landscape and its exploration of social inequality and environmental fragility.
Alphapanda Market Breakout Award
This award, providing consultancy services valued at EUR 3,500, was given to Third Take, directed by Bruce LaBruce.
Synopsis: Set in a near-future, the film tells the story of two iconic actresses who reunite in a drought-stricken villa for a chaotic film shoot, exploring themes of romance and decay.
MidPoint Consulting Award
This award, offering online script consultancy, was given to Les Orages Magnétiques.
Heritage Restoration Contest
The Heritage Restoration Contest awarded a complete restoration by film lab Cinegrell, with the restored film set to premiere at the 2027 edition of the Locarno Film Festival. The film Nous sommes tous encore ici (We’re All Still Here, 1997), directed by Anne-Marie Miéville, was recognized for its significance in Swiss cinema.
Jury Statement: The jury emphasized the film’s importance and the opportunity for renewed recognition of Miéville’s contributions to Swiss cinema as the festival approaches its 80th edition.
For further details on the winners, visit the original reporting source at www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-08-09 21:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk