Locarno Festival Reveals Kids' Screenings Lineup with Youth Jury and New Competition
Entertainment

Locarno Festival Reveals Kids' Screenings Lineup with Youth Jury and New Competition

The Locarno Film Festival has unveiled its children's programming slate, introducing a dedicated competition and a kids' jury for young audiences.

By Mick Smith2 min read

Locarno Film Festival Debuts Children's Competition and Youth Jury

The renowned Locarno Film Festival has officially announced its upcoming kids' screenings program, marking an exciting expansion of the Swiss event's offerings. Alongside the curated selection of films for younger audiences, the festival is introducing a dedicated competition category and a specially assembled kids' jury to evaluate the entries.

A Program Built for Young Minds

Programmer Daniela Persico shared the vision behind this year's children's lineup, describing it as an experience designed to be both engaging and thought-provoking for even the youngest attendees. According to Persico, the goal was to craft a cinematic journey that feels accessible and full of surprises, while still engaging honestly with the realities and complexities of the modern world.

Why This Initiative Matters

By establishing a formal competition structure and empowering a jury of young viewers, Locarno is signaling a strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of film enthusiasts. The initiative reflects a broader industry recognition that children deserve thoughtful, high-quality cinema that respects their intelligence and curiosity.

The festival's decision to involve kids directly in the judging process is a particularly notable step, giving young audiences a genuine voice in celebrating filmmaking crafted with them in mind.