Locarno Festival Director Carlo Chatrian on Netflix, Youth, and the Future of Film Festivals

In an interview with Artribune, Carlo Chatrian, artistic director of the Locarno Festival, addresses the controversy surrounding Cannes and Netflix, emphasizing that the Cannes decision pertains to France's theatrical distribution system. He notes that festivals have evolved to discover new voices and that online platforms and theatrical screenings offer different experiences, not necessarily in opposition. Locarno, held in summer, attracts a young audience with free seating and no accreditation distinctions. The festival has expanded its educational program through the Locarno Academy, including Filmmaking, Critics, and Industry academies, as well as Locarno Kids for children. Social media presence has been strengthened. Regarding the future, Chatrian observes a trend where festivals prioritize communication and marketing over films themselves, citing Cannes as the most media-driven. He highlights Jean-Luc Godard's 'Le livre d'image' (2018) as an example of a film designed for multiple spaces beyond the cinema, with its press conference conducted via FaceTime. Chatrian believes festivals must adapt to a world where moving images are ubiquitous.