Locarno Film Festival President Marco Solari on 69 Years of Independence
Since 2000, Marco Solari has served as the president of the Locarno Film Festival, which has a rich history spanning 69 years and a dedication to artistic expression. Established in 1946 by antifascist Filippo Sacchi, the festival debuted with Giacomo Gentilomo's 'O sole mio.' It ranks as the fourth oldest film festival, following Venice (1932), Moscow, and Cannes (1939). Solari highlights its significance as an intellectual platform, featuring films from neorealism, Soviet cinema, and the Nouvelle Vague. With a budget of €12 million, only €2.5 million comes from self-generated revenue. The 2016 festival commenced with 'The Girl with All the Gifts,' receiving acclaim despite a decline in attendance. The Swiss National Bank will honor Piazza Grande on a new 20-franc note, and a special stamp will celebrate the festival's 70th anniversary.
Key facts
- Locarno Film Festival is the fourth oldest film festival in the world, founded in 1946.
- Filippo Sacchi, an antifascist intellectual, initiated the festival after fleeing to Locarno in 1943.
- The festival's opening film in 1946 was 'O sole mio' by Giacomo Gentilomo.
- Marco Solari has been president since 2000.
- The festival budget is approximately €12 million, with only €2.5 million self-generated.
- No sponsor can interfere with film selection.
- The 2016 edition opened with 'The Girl with All the Gifts', a zombie movie, which lowered attendance but was praised internationally.
- The Swiss National Bank will feature Piazza Grande on the new 20-franc note.
- Swiss Post will issue a special stamp for the festival's 70th anniversary.
- The Casa del cinema project aims to support audiovisual policy in Locarno.
Entities
Artists
- Marco Solari
- Filippo Sacchi
- Giacomo Gentilomo
- Yuri Ancarani
Institutions
- Festival del film Locarno
- Artribune
- Swiss National Bank
- Swiss Post
- Casa del cinema
- Municipio di Locarno
- Cineteca
Locations
- Locarno
- Switzerland
- Venice
- Italy
- Moscow
- Russia
- Cannes
- France
- Naples
- Lugano