Alpine Tourism, Asylum Seekers, and More: 7 Swiss Films to Watch at Locarno77

The Locarno Film Festival, held in the charming town in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region, consistently highlights arthouse cinema, both from emerging and seasoned filmmakers, and puts a spotlight on Swiss films that deserve global attention.

Locarno77, running from August 7-17, continues this tradition shortly after Switzerland was the country of honor at the 2024 Cannes Film Market. This year’s lineup includes Swiss films like Laetitia Dosch’s Dog on Trial and Claude Barras’ Savages, alongside the world premiere of Simon Jaquemet’s Electric Child, the international premiere of Freddy Macdonald’s Sew Torn, and the Swiss debut of Klaudia Reynicke’s Reinas.

Locarno’s international competition features the Swiss entry Der Spatz im Kamin by Ramon Zürcher, with more Swiss films included in various sections of the festival. A key part of the festival is “Panorama Suisse,” which presents 10 contemporary Swiss films, including festival successes, audience favorites, and unreleased films. This section is curated by a committee from the Solothurn Film Festival, the Swiss Film Academy, and Swiss Films.

Locarno’s organizers ensure that cinema enthusiasts from around the globe experience contemporary Swiss cinema through this carefully curated selection. The festival also offers a diverse range of films, ensuring that attendees avoid missing out on the best of Swiss filmmaking.