The Board of Directors of the Locarno Film Festival has signaled a period of stability and cautious optimism, formally approving the 2025 financial outlook and confirming that Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro will lead the festival through its milestone 80th anniversary in 2027.
The announcement followed the festival’s annual General Assembly, chaired by President Maja Hoffmann. The dual update provides a clear trajectory for the Swiss festival as it navigates a shifting global film landscape and significant changes in federal funding.
Stability in Leadership
Giona A. Nazzaro, who took over the artistic reins in late 2020, has been credited with modernizing the festival’s selection and strengthening its international prestige during a “complex historical moment.”
• The Extension: The board’s decision ensures Nazzaro remains in post for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 editions.
• The Vision: Nazzaro expressed his commitment to steering the festival through “unheard-of transformations” in the audiovisual sector, aiming to maintain Locarno as a “beacon of hope” and creativity.
2025 Financial Outlook: Leaner but Robust
The assembly also addressed the festival’s fiscal health. Following a successful 2024 edition—which saw a 3.5% increase in attendance (totaling 152,000 visitors) and a 20% surge in daily pass sales—the festival is moving toward a more sustainable economic model.
• Revenue Forecast: The projected budget for 2025 stands at CHF 17.1 million (approximately $20.8 million). This is a slight decrease from the CHF 18.2 million recorded in 2024, reflecting a strategic effort to streamline costs and focus on core priorities.
• Addressing Funding Cuts: The leadership acknowledged challenges posed by a 25% reduction in funding for the Open Doors talent development program, a result of broader Swiss government budget reallocations.
• Efficiency Measures: CEO Raphaël Brunschwig noted that a recent organizational restructure has allowed for a leaner, more effective management team, helping to offset structural deficits.
Looking Ahead to the 80th Anniversary
By securing Nazzaro’s leadership until 2027, the board is prioritizing continuity as the festival prepares for its big 8-0. The strategy focuses on balancing high-level artistic experimentation with a “robust financial future.”
“These crucial steps strengthen the Festival’s position,” said Maja Hoffmann. “They allow us to improve our ability to focus on our main priorities: supporting the work of filmmakers and the global cinema ecosystem.”
The 78th edition of the Locarno Film Festival is scheduled to take place from August 6 to 16, 2025, with the industry now watching closely to see how the “Nazzaro era” continues to evolve under this renewed mandate.
