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Locarno Film Festival 2026: Stars and Newcomers Vie for Golden Leopard

festival-fair · 2026-08-05

The 79th Locarno Film Festival, held from August 5 to 15 in Locarno, Switzerland, opened with a parade of cinema stars and emerging talents competing for the Golden Leopard. The festival pays tribute to actresses Isabella Rossellini, Virginie Efira, and Asia Argento, and welcomes South Korean director Hong Sang-soo back to the competition. The event, a major fixture in the international film calendar, showcases a diverse lineup of films and attracts industry professionals and cinephiles alike.

Key facts

  • The 79th Locarno Film Festival takes place from August 5 to 15.
  • The festival is held in Locarno, Switzerland.
  • Isabella Rossellini, Virginie Efira, and Asia Argento are honored.
  • Hong Sang-soo returns to the competition.
  • The festival features a mix of established stars and new faces.
  • The Golden Leopard is the top prize at the festival.
  • The event is a significant cultural gathering in Switzerland.
  • The festival includes a competition section.

Entities

Artists

  • Isabella Rossellini
  • Virginie Efira
  • Asia Argento
  • Hong Sang-soo

Institutions

  • Locarno Film Festival

Locations

  • Locarno
  • Switzerland

Sources