## Overview The Locarno Film Festival is one of the world’s most prestigious international film festivals, held annually in August in Locarno, Switzerland, since 1946[2][4]. Alongside Cannes and Venice, Locarno stands as one of the oldest and most respected film festivals globally, renowned for its focus on artistic innovation, discovery of new talent, and commitment to the diversity of cinema[2]. ## What It Does Locarno is distinguished by its open-air screenings in the Piazza Grande, which boasts one of the largest outdoor screens in the world (26x14 meters) and accommodates over 8,000 spectators[2]. The festival’s main competition, the Concorso Internazionale, awards the Golden Leopard to the best film, while the Leopard of Honour recognizes outstanding career achievements[2]. There is also a strong emphasis on Swiss cinema through the Panorama Suisse section, curated by national film organizations[2]. The festival actively supports emerging filmmakers, often launching the careers of new directors and actors, and has a reputation for being a festival of discovery rather than glamour[2]. ## History Founded in the aftermath of World War II, Locarno initially aimed to boost tourism but quickly evolved into a major cultural event[5]. Over the decades, it has maintained a unique position among film festivals by balancing auteur cinema, retrospectives (such as the first complete Abbas Kiarostami retrospective in 1995), and premieres of innovative works[1]. The festival has also been a platform for digital innovation, notably through its Heritage Online service, which extends the reach of classic and restored films via digital distribution and connects rights holders with global VOD platforms[3]. ## Key Achievements Locarno has premiered groundbreaking films and hosted legendary filmmakers—Jean-Luc Godard, for instance, was honored with the Leopard of Honour in 1995 and used the occasion to support Amnesty International[1]. The festival’