Locarno Pro Takes on the Big Issues: AI, "Algorithms and Consolidation Versus Creative Freedom

The Locarno Film Festival’s industry arm, Locarno Pro, is returning with a 15th edition running Aug. 6-11 during the festival’s 79th run (Aug. 5-15) in Switzerland. The program, themed around today’s “big issues” and the future, opens with the StepIn session examining how power structures, politics, AI and data are reshaping independent cinema. Open Doors returns as a co-production and talent development platform, and Locarno Pro is again spotlighting Africa with six projects in development, six producers and five directors. It also includes First Look for six Uruguayan works-in-progress in post-production with ACAU. Organizers expect around 2,000 accredited industry guests, including about 800 producers, 350 buyers, 100 sales agents and 300 festival programmers.