The Locarno . Film Festival announced the transition from gender-based performance categories for actors to new neutral categories. As one of the first world festivals to make this change, the event is preparing to host a 76th edition that will be even more open, inclusive and able to fully represent its universe of talents.
The Locarno Film Festival is a meeting place that draws its strength from amplifying diversity and minority voices. In recent years, his commitment to a culture of inclusion and gender equality has led him to achieve important milestones, such as his participation in 2018 – the second festival in the world to be signed and the first in Switzerland – of the Programming Pledge for Parity and Inclusion in Cinema, with the resulting periodic publication of statistics on gender representation. With this in mind of transparency, exchange and dialogue, the event has decided to actively participate in the evolution going on in the audiovisual industry, introducing gender-neutral performance categories, which will replace the awards for female and male interpretations.
Giona A. Nazzaro, Artistic Director of the Locarno Film Festival:
It is a choice that we believe will help us further enhance talent and creation, beyond the identification categories that are now obsolete. The world no longer travels on a track… track.
Marco Solari, President of the Locarno Film Festival:
The Presidency of the Festival welcomes the proposal of the artistic direction, which perfectly expresses the indispensable sensibility of the present time.
At the end of the 76th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, to be held from August 2 to 12, 2023, two Leopards will be awarded for the best interpretation in the International Competition, and the same number in the Filmmakers of the Current Competition. This change to the festival rules will ensure that any artist, regardless of their gender identity, can compete for the prizes.
An overview of the festival’s other initiatives to promote inclusiveness and gender equality is available in the annual report.
The 76th edition of the Locarno Film Festival will take place from 2 to 12 August 2023. Constant updates are available on the event website.
Source: Lega Nerd
