Locarno

Maha Haj’s ‘UPSHOT’ Triumphs at Locarno, Winning Top Auteur Short Film Honors

by

Locarno, Switzerland – At the 77th Locarno Film Festival, Palestinian filmmaker Maha Haj’s latest short film “UPSHOT” garnered significant accolades, securing both the Pardino d’Oro Swiss Life for Best Auteur Short Film and the Junior Jury Award. The awards underscored the film’s profound impact at its world premiere, where it was featured in the Pardi di Domani – Corti d’Autore Competition. “UPSHOT,” distinguished for its poignant storytelling and compelling narrative, explores themes of human endurance and imagination amidst the backdrop of ongoing conflict. The film has elicited strong responses from audiences and critics alike for … Read more

Lithuanian Film ‘Toxic’ Claims Top Prize at Locarno Film Festival 2024, Highlighting Emerging Global Cinema

by

Locarno, Switzerland – The 77th Locarno Film Festival culminated in a spectacular celebration of cinematic talent, with Lithuanian director Saulė Bliuvaitė’s feature debut “Akiplėša” (“Toxic”) clinching the prestigious Golden Leopard Award. The film, which delves into the unsettling realities of model agencies and teenage aspirations, stood out among its competitors at this international gathering. “Akiplėša” wasn’t the only Lithuanian film to gain critical acclaim at the festival. Laurynas Bareiša received the Best Director award for his work on “Seses” (“Drowning Dry”), a poignant narrative about two sisters grappling with a life-altering family loss. This film … Read more

Lithuanian Films Shine at Locarno Film Festival, Sweep Top Awards with Groundbreaking Entries

by

Locarno, Switzerland – The spotlight was firmly on Lithuanian cinema at this year’s Locarno Film Festival, with two standout films capturing several of the event’s top honors. The Baltic nation’s cinematic presence was strongly felt, as “Toxic,” the compelling debut from writer-director Saulė Bliuvaitė, scooped the prestigious Golden Leopard for Best Film in addition to dominating the First Feature Competition. Similarly, Laurynas Bareiša’s “Drowning Dry” earned him Best Director, while also taking a gender-neutral acting award for its ensemble cast. “Toxic” explores the dark interplay of friendship, exploitation, and rivalry among teenage girls at a … Read more

Saulė Bliuvaitė’s ‘Toxic’ Triumphs with Golden Leopard at 77th Locarno Film Festival

by

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 … Read more