Locarno, Italy, July 6, 2024, At the 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, Romanian director Florin Șerban’s film You don’t belong here (Nu e locul tau aici) was awarded the Golden Pard, marking his return to feature filmmaking after several years. The film, a drama centered on the complex relationship between a father and son, impressed the international jury with its powerful screenplay, unique visual style, and mastery of cinematic language. The award was given during the main competition, which featured films from around the world, highlighting diverse storytelling traditions and cultural perspectives. The Golden Pard was presented by the official jury of the International Competition, which praised the film for its emotional depth and artistic innovation. In addition to the Golden Pard, other major awards were distributed throughout the festival. Brazilian filmmakers Matheus Farias and Enock Carvalho received the Special Jury Prize for their film The Riverbank (A Margem do Rio), while South Korean director Hong Sangsoo won the Best Director award for Nowhere to Lay My Eyes (Nun Dul Dega Eomne). The Best Actor award went to Kim Minhee for her role in Nowhere to Lay My Eyes, and Monica Bellucci was honored with the Best Actress award for her performance in Ketticè by Italian director Giovanni Tortorici. Two additional awards were presented in the Cinémas du Présent section, a platform dedicated to emerging talent. The Golden Pard for this category, along with the Swatch First Feature Award, both went to Spanish filmmaker Alessandra Sanguinetti for her film The Illusion of an Everlasting Summer (La ilusión de un verano sin fin). This marked a notable achievement for Sanguinetti, whose work has been gaining recognition in European cinema circles. The festival's artistic director, Giona A. Nazzaro, commented on the overall selection, emphasizing the balance between artistic excellence and audience engagement. He described the winners as representing a vital and contemporary cinematic landscape, one that reflects current social and industrial transformations. Nazzaro highlighted how each winning film brought attention to underrepresented regions and voices, such as the Romanian setting of You Don’t Belong Here, the Brazilian context of The Riverbank, and the South Korean narrative of Nowhere to Lay My Eyes. He noted that the jury consistently prioritized formal and linguistic innovation while ensuring the films resonated with broader audiences, evidenced by the full houses and enthusiastic participation across all competitions. The festival, held in the picturesque Swiss town of Locarno, attracted filmmakers, critics, and fans from around the globe. Its programming included a wide range of genres and styles, reflecting the diversity of global cinema. The 79th edition concluded with a strong showing for both established directors and newcomers, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as a key venue for discovering new talent and celebrating cinematic artistry. The Locarno Film Festival will return in 2027 for its 80th edition, scheduled from August 4 to August 14. Until then, the industry continues to watch with interest for the next chapter in the festival’s storied history.
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