Cinema: Locarno Film Festival: Golden Leopard for a film from Romania

The 73rd Locarno Film Festival has concluded with the awarding of its top honor, the Golden Leopard, to the Romanian film „Nu e locul tau aici” („Du gehörst nicht hierher”) directed by and written by Florin Șerban. The film explores the strained relationship between an unmarried father and his teenage son, highlighting themes of emotional distance and personal conflict. The award ceremony took place on Saturday evening, following a smaller ceremony earlier in the day where other honors were presented. The winning film received additional recognition for its lead actor, Teodor Butănescu, who portrayed a violent, xenophobic teenager in his debut leading role. The festival also celebrated international collaborations, with the Brazilian-German co-production „A Margem do Rio” („Das Flussufer”) earning the second-highest prize, the Special Jury Prize. Directed by the duo Matheus Farias and Enock Carvalho, the film follows a homosexual love story threatened by intolerance and violence. This win underscores the festival’s ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse narratives and addressing social issues through cinema. South Korean director Hong Sang-soo was honored with the Best Director award for his chamber piece „Nun Dul Dega Eomne” („Nirgends, da ich meinen Blick ruhen lassen kann”). The film uses quiet scenes to reflect the challenges of open communication within families. Additionally, Kim Min-hee, the film's lead actress, was recognized with one of the gender-neutral awards for outstanding acting performance. Italian actress Monica Bellucci received a second acting award for her portrayal of a mother in the Italian youth drama „Ketticè” („Chaos”). Meanwhile, Canadian actor Xavier Bergeron was acknowledged for his role as a dying man in the thriller „Violence du corps de l’autre” („Gewalt gegen den Körper des Anderen”) by director Denis Côté. These accolades highlight the festival’s emphasis on both artistic excellence and nuanced character portrayals. The awards ceremony began earlier in the day with a private presentation of the prizes, followed by a public gala under the stars later that evening. The event drew attendees from around the world, reflecting the festival’s reputation as a key platform for emerging and established filmmakers alike. The winners will be formally introduced to the audience during this evening event, marking the culmination of the festival’s programming. The Locarno Film Festival continues to serve as a vital space for cinematic innovation and cultural exchange, offering audiences a wide range of films that challenge conventions and provoke thought. With its focus on storytelling and artistic integrity, the festival remains a cornerstone of the European film calendar, providing a stage for voices from across the globe. As the final ceremonies conclude, attention turns to the future, with many of the festival’s participants already planning new projects and collaborations.