First Look, the works-in-progress program of Locarno Pro, will turn its focus to Uruguay during the 79th Locarno Film Festival (Aug. 5–15). Established as a premier post-production showcase for international arthouse cinema, the initiative offers producers a strategic platform to present their projects to leading sales agents, distributors and festival programmers at a decisive stage in their films’ financing and market trajectory.
Now on its 15th edition, First Look is partnerning with Uruguayan film institute ACAU to present six Uruguayan feature films currently in post, which its producers will present to international sales agents, buyers, festival programmers and post-production fund reps.
Aside from on-site presentations, the projects will be made accessible to accredited professionals via the Festival’s online digital library.
Expressing his delight at spotlighting Uruguay for this edition, Markus Duffner, director of Locarno Pro, said: “This initiative remains a cornerstone of our mission to support the final stages of outstanding films and to help propel the international careers of emerging filmmakers. Our collaboration with ACAU will strengthen the international positioning of Uruguayan production companies.”
“Uruguay’s presence in the Locarno Film Festival as the protagonist of First Look 2026 marks a strategic moment for our cinematography this year,” ACAU president Gisella Pevitali concurred.
“It not only recognizes Uruguayan talents but also highlights the continuous evolution of our public policies and the tangible, growing international appreciation for the quality, diversity, and originality of Uruguayan cinematic works.”
Past editions at Locarno have featured Uruguayan productions and co-productions across multiple sidebars, including: “The Enemies of Pain” (“Los enemigos del dolor,” 2014) by Arauco Hernández and “Norberto’s Deadline” (“Norberto apenas tarde,” 2010) by Daniel Hendler (Concorso Cineasti del Presente section).
“The Guest Room” (“El cuarto del fondo,” 2007) by Ana Guevara and Leticia Jorge (Open Doors Screenings) and Manolo Nieto’s “El lugar del hijo” (Cinéfondation 2008) also played at the fest.
International co-productions with Uruguayan participation include “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (2025) by Bill Condon (Piazza Grande), starring Diego Luna and Jennifer Lopez and one of Locarno’s biggest draws last year and “Severina” (2017) by Felipe Hirsch (Concorso Cineasti del Presente).
Said Giona A. Nazzaro, artistic director of the Locarno Film Festival: “At a time in history when the need for new voices is urgent and inevitable, turning our attention to Uruguay means broadening our horizons once again. Six films in post-production, evaluated by a jury of international experts, representing a forward-looking commitment to the future of cinema: a commitment where creativity and vision intersect with a new, sustainable way of engaging with the industry.”
Applications are now being accepted through Locarno Pro until May 6, 2026. To be eligible for selection, producers need to provide a rough cut of at least 60 minutes at any stage in the post-production process. The principal production company for the film must be based in Uruguay.
The selection, along with the jury members, will be announced in July. A number of valuable in-kind prizes are in contention for the winners who will be announced during the Locarno Pro Award Ceremony on Aug. 9.
variety.com
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