Locarno Film Festival 2025: Comprehensive Guide to Film Submissions

8 November 2024 | Source
The 2025 Locarno Film Festival, held annually in Switzerland, is accepting film submissions until April 24, 2025. Submissions are categorized by deadlines—early, regular, and late—with fees starting at CHF 35 for short films and CHF 100 for features. Films must meet premiere requirements and be completed after August 31, 2024. Detailed rules and entry forms are available on the festival's website.

The Locarno Film Festival, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious film events, is now open for submissions for its 2025 edition. Held annually in the scenic city of Locarno, Switzerland, this festival has been a launching pad for celebrated filmmakers like Jim Jarmusch, Spike Lee, and Miloš Forman. The event welcomes diverse cinematic genres and provides a global platform for emerging talents and seasoned directors.

Submission Deadlines and Fees

Filmmakers should take note of the three submission deadlines for the 2025 festival:

  • Early Deadline: February 20, 2025 (Fees: CHF 35 for short films, CHF 100 for feature and medium-length films)
  • Regular Deadline: April 10, 2025 (Fees: CHF 55 for short films, CHF 130 for feature and medium-length films)
  • Late Deadline: April 24, 2025 (Fees: CHF 75 for short films, CHF 200 for feature and medium-length films)

All fees include taxes and must be paid online. Submissions require registration on the official Locarno website, and entries are only valid upon completion of the fee payment.

Premiere Status and Eligibility

The festival favors world premieres and accepts international premieres under certain conditions. Films previously screened onsite or online within production countries may still qualify as international premieres, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria. Swiss productions, however, must be world premieres to be considered.

Only films completed after August 31, 2024, are eligible. English subtitles are required unless the original language is English. All submissions must include a Vimeo or YouTube screener link with download capabilities enabled.

Festival Highlights

Locarno’s official selection spans 11 sections, with new films competing for prestigious awards such as the Golden Leopard (Pardo d’Oro). Past winners include "Toxic (Akiplėša)" by Lithuanian director Saulė Bliuvaitė, who also received the Swatch First Feature Award in 2024.

The festival encourages submissions from filmmakers across all genres, including fiction, documentaries, and animations. Special sections like Locarno Kids Screenings cater to younger audiences, while the Pardi di Domani section focuses on short films.

Submission Assistance and Rules

To ensure a seamless process, filmmakers are advised to carefully review the festival's rules and regulations. Questions about eligibility or technical requirements can be addressed by contacting the festival’s programming office via email.

For further details on submission guidelines and to access the online entry form, visit the official Locarno Film Festival website. The 2025 edition promises to uphold its legacy as a premier platform for global cinema.


Fact Box: What You Need to Know

  • Festival Location: Locarno, Switzerland
  • Submission Platform: Official Locarno Film Festival website
  • Premiere Requirement: World or international premieres preferred
  • Final Deadline: April 24, 2025, 2 PM CEST
  • Festival Dates: August 2025
  • Contact: programming@locarnofestival.ch
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