The Locarno Film Festival, held from August 7 to 17, welcomed 152,000 attendees to its screenings, marking a 3.5% increase compared to the previous year. The organizers have expressed their satisfaction with these results.
Piazza Grande, the festival’s central venue, attracted 62,000 spectators, as highlighted in a press release issued the day after the 77th edition concluded.
The festival also saw a 2% rise in subscription sales, with a particularly notable increase of 7% among students. Regarding industry professionals, the number of accredited participants, including those online, grew by 6.5%, reaching a total of 4,940 individuals. Of these, 1,884 were representatives of the film industry, and 793 were journalists, critics, and photographers.
The festival achieved outstanding results on its digital platforms as well, signaling the success of a new strategy aimed at fostering audience loyalty through various online channels, both during the event and throughout the year. This significant growth extended to editorial publications, videos, and social media networks.
On YouTube alone, the festival saw a 265% increase in views and a 105% rise in subscribers. On Instagram, over 7.1 million people were reached during the eleven days of the event, with a 6% growth in followers.
“I am extremely proud of the success of this 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival,” said newly appointed president Maja Hoffmann. “Along with the global audience, old and new friends, and my family, I experienced films of exceptional quality and witnessed an incredible diversity of cultures connected through cinema.”
Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro added, “This was a truly unique edition that once again highlighted what makes Locarno a festival beloved by audiences and the film industry alike. Creativity and hope for a better future were the elements that ran through all the sections. Cinema is a driving force, and Locarno is its flagship. We are very proud of this edition and grateful for the tremendous teamwork that led to this success.”
But during the festival, Locarno is more than just cinema: the Rotonda by la Mobiliare was a key spot for entertainment and dialogue, featuring a diverse program of music, art, and performances that attracted around 115,000 attendees, a 9.5% increase from the previous year.
