Locarno, Switzerland – In a notable showcase of emerging cinematic talent, Lithuanian filmmaker Saulė Bliuvaitė captured the prestigious Golden Leopard award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival for her debut feature, “Toxic.” The film, which delves into the harrowing experiences of two 13-year-old girls at a local modeling school, stood out in the festival’s main international competition, earning accolades for its stark portrayal of youth and exploitation.
Directed and written by Bliuvaitė, “Toxic” explores the intense and often destructive dynamics in the world of adolescent modeling, where dreams of a better life lead to drastic measures. The film’s critical reception highlighted its unflinching examination of the pressures faced by young models and its poignant narrative, resonating with both the jury and audiences alike.
Festival chief Giona A. Nazzaro, who earlier signaled “Toxic” as a frontrunner, lauded Bliuvaitė’s victory as a testament to the festival’s commitment to discovering and celebrating innovative filmmaking talent. “The success of ‘Toxic’ at our festival not only underscores our dedication to emerging directors but also reflects the powerful storytelling that cinema can harness,” Nazzaro remarked during the closing ceremonies.
Other noteworthy winners included Kurdwin Ayub’s “Mond” from Austria, which received the Special Jury Prize. The award for Best Direction was presented to Laurynas Bareiša for “Seses” (Drowning Dry), a co-production between Lithuania and Latvia. In the acting categories, accolades were awarded to a quartet from “Seses” – Gelminė Glemžaitė, Agnė Kaktaitė, Giedrius Kiela, and Paulius Markevičius, alongside Kim Minhee for her role in Hong Sangsoo’s “By The Stream.”
This year’s competition jury, chaired by Jessica Hausner, boasted a diverse panel of cinema experts including Diana Elbaum, Payal Kapadia, Luca Marinelli, and Tim Blake Nelson. They presided over a selection that underscored the festival’s international appeal and the variety of narratives and filmmaking styles presented.
The festival kicked off with Gianluca Jodice’s “The Flood” and wrapped with Laetitia Dosch’s “Le Procès du chien.” These bookend screenings were part of a robust program that further cemented Locarno’s reputation as a magnet for cineastes and a pivotal platform for indie filmmakers nurtured globally.
Bliuvaitė also won the Swatch First Feature Award, doubling her recognition at the festival, a rare feat for first-time directors that underscores the compelling nature of “Toxic.” Additional new awards introduced this year included the inaugural MUBI award, which went to Sylvie Ballyot’s “Green Line,” celebrating fresh voices in cinema.
As the red curtains drew to a close at Locarno this year, the triumph of “Toxic” and the recognition of its peers illustrated the vibrant and dynamic state of global independent cinema. With each edition, the Locarno Film Festival continues to offer a window into the future of filmmaking, setting the stage for new voices ready to tell their unique stories to a worldwide audience.