Italian
Locarno’s Alliance 4 Development: A Melting Pot of Stories and Styles
A diverse lineup of cinematic gems
The Alliance 4 Development initiative at Locarno is back, showcasing a rich tapestry of films from Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. This year’s selection spans a variety of genres, from dramas to dark comedies and thrillers, each exploring profound themes such as identity, history’s legacy, environmental concerns, family ties, and the desperate search for attention.
The quest for attention in ‘I’m Not Here to Make Friends’
In Julia Niemann’s latest project, I’m Not Here to Make Friends, the spotlight is on Emmy, a contestant on a dating reality show. Niemann, who previously co-directed the controversial Veni Vidi Vici, delves into the human condition through the lens of reality TV. “Reality TV may be the lowest form of entertainment, but when done well, it reveals our deepest desires for attention,” Niemann notes. Producer Katharina Posch describes it as a “sleek and sunny psycho-thriller about the age of narcissism.”
Family secrets unravel in ‘Ithaca’
Alessandro Grande’s Ithaca is inspired by a shocking true story from 1990s Italy. A teenager discovers that his parents might not be his real parents—they are accused of kidnapping him as a baby. Producer Chiara Cruciatti emphasizes the importance of the real protagonist’s involvement in the writing process, which has been crucial in addressing his intimate struggles.
Historical echoes in ‘A Year Without the Summer’ and ‘6 Months 6 Days’
Flurin Giger takes us back to the 19th century in A Year Without the Summer, where a volcanic eruption triggers another Ice Age, affecting a peasant family. Meanwhile, 6 Months 6 Days explores the hidden agenda of a young man who wants Germany’s richest woman to confront her family’s WWII past. This film promises an “epic experiment on privilege and cross-class encounters,” according to producer Solal Coutard.
A Year Without the Summer
6 Months 6 Days
The supernatural meets realism in ‘From Planet Earth’ and ‘Hôtel des Thermes’
In Luca Magi’s From Planet Earth, a mysterious African boy named Alì appears on the outskirts of a big city and is taken to a mountain hotel shelter. Magi’s experience as a social worker in a shelter for migrants fuels the film’s narrative. Similarly, Hôtel des Thermes by Maéva Ranaïvojaona and Georg Tiller blends realism with the supernatural, exploring the legacy of colonialism in Madagascar through a magical-realistic tone.
From Planet Earth
Hôtel des Thermes
Dreams and disappearances in ‘Atlantic Mirage’
Hakim Mao’s Atlantic Mirage follows two childhood friends who head to a hotel to work and dream of a better future. However, one of them suddenly disappears, coinciding with a strange phenomenon. This film promises to be a captivating blend of mystery and drama.
Generational trauma in ‘Undercurrents’ and ’Lost Paradise’
Beatrice Minger’s Undercurrents is set in an alpine region and uses magical realism to depict three generations of women fighting the trauma of loss and disconnection. On the other hand, Hugues Harich’s Lost Paradise ventures into a world ravaged by the lack of water, focusing on two siblings desperately fighting for survival.
Tragicomedy in ‘Bourgeois Paranoia’
Lukas Nathrath’s Bourgeois Paranoia lightens the mood with a tragicomedy set in a café where five people meet over a week. “Insults pile up and everyday situations escalate,” says Nathrath, who is fascinated by power dynamics and human behavior pushed to the extreme. The film aims for a tragicomic tone, inspired by works like Wild Tales and Beef.
The journey of filmmaking
Project manager Francesca Palleschi reflects on the joy of witnessing these projects evolve into films that reach audiences. Recent success stories include The Village Next to Paradise and Der Fleck, which have garnered attention at prestigious festivals. Palleschi emphasizes the importance of initiatives like Alliance 4 Development in nurturing creative exchanges among filmmakers, helping to build a community of new authors and stories beyond their countries’ borders.
Embracing uniqueness in a fast-paced industry
The film industry is ever-changing, with business models, trends, and leading players constantly shifting. Filmmakers must stand by their uniqueness, pursue their original visions, and share them with their audiences. Initiatives like Alliance 4 Development play a crucial role in fostering these creative exchanges and building a global community of storytellers.
Alliance 4 Development: The 2024 lineup
‘6 Months 6 Days’ (6 Mois 6 jours)
Director: Michale Boganim
Juliana Kant, the wealthiest woman in Germany, encounters Raphaël, who charms her and disrupts her structured life. However, Raphaël has a hidden agenda: he wants the Kants to confront their past. The film explores generational silences around the Holocaust, drawing inspiration from the Quandt family’s collaboration with the Nazi regime. The project aims for an intimate exploration of the characters’ confrontation with history.
In this diverse and dynamic lineup, each film offers a unique perspective on universal themes, blending storytelling codes and distinctive styles. Whether through historical echoes, supernatural elements, or tragicomic tones, these films promise to captivate and provoke thought, reflecting the rich tapestry of human experience.# Upcoming films to watch: A deep dive into new cinematic gems
A paradise lost
Director: Kim Lêa Sakkal
In the heart of Beirut, Nina, a German heiress, finds herself the last vestige of a crumbling empire built by her father. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she is suddenly paralyzed, leading to the arrival of Nico, a young Lebanese nurse. As Nico becomes entangled in the estate’s secrets, the lines between caregiver and confidante blur, revealing a tapestry of mystery and shifting allegiances. This film promises to explore themes of colonial remnants, personal loss, and the complexities of womanhood. Kim Lêa Sakkal’s knack for dissecting human behavior with a thriller’s touch ensures a gripping narrative. Watch the trailer.
Atlantic mirage
Director: Hakim Mao
Set against the backdrop of Agadir, Morocco, Atlantic Mirage follows Younès and Ismaïl, childhood friends working at the Atlantic Mirage hotel. Their lives take a mysterious turn when Ismaïl vanishes, and the ocean exhibits strange phenomena. Younès embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind his friend’s disappearance. This film aims to be an unapologetically queer genre piece, showcasing the rich history and mystery of Agadir through bold aesthetics. It also seeks to introduce a new generation of Moroccan actors. Watch the trailer.
A year without the summer
Director: Flurin Giger
Set in the 19th century, A Year Without the Summer tells the story of a volcanic eruption on a small Indonesian island that blankets the world in ash, ushering in a new Ice Age. The narrative follows a farmer’s daughter and her family as they struggle to survive through four harsh seasons. The film delves into the simple life of people who lived in harmony with nature, unaware of the catastrophe’s cause. It raises questions that resonate with contemporary society, making it a poignant exploration of human resilience. Watch the trailer.
Bourgeois paranoia
Director: Lukas Nathrath
Bourgeois Paranoia is an episodic dark tragicomedy set in a bustling Hamburg café. The film weaves together the lives of five individuals dealing with rejection and a thirst for revenge. From a humiliated waiter to an aspiring author accused of theft, the characters’ stories intersect in unexpected and often violent ways. This film promises to delve into the tensions of everyday life, where societal norms clash with personal desires. Watch the trailer.
From planet Earth
Director: Luca Magi
From Planet Earth follows Alì, an African boy who escapes to the city only to find himself lost and homeless. As he navigates the streets, he encounters people who either help him survive or exploit him. The film is a unique coming-of-age story that balances hopelessness with moments of poetry and tenderness. It sheds light on the lives of those who are often invisible in society. Watch the trailer.
Hôtel des Thermes
Directors: Maéva Ranaïvojaona, Georg Tiller
Set in a grand hotel in Madagascar, Hôtel des Thermes begins with a fancy-dress ball that descends into a bloodbath. The film explores Madagascar’s past and the roots of European colonialism through a mix of auteur cinema, documentaries, and genre films. This ambitious project promises a colorful and moving visual spectacle, offering new insights into a little-known history. Watch the trailer.
I’m not here to make friends
Director: Julia Niemann
I’m Not Here to Make Friends centers on Emmy, a contestant on a reality show where women compete for a man’s heart. However, the real battle is for attention, not love. Emmy’s journey becomes a painful yet enlightening voyage of self-discovery. The film blends elements of horror and satire, drawing from extensive research into reality TV formats. It promises to be a tragic yet relatable story that mirrors our own experiences. Watch the trailer.
Ithaca
Director: Alessandro Grande
Ithaca follows Sebastiano, a 17-year-old who joins his real family for the first time after growing up in a mountain village. The film, set to be shot in 2026, explores themes of identity and belonging. It promises to be a deeply emotional journey, capturing the essence of family and the search for one’s roots. Watch the trailer.
These upcoming films offer a rich tapestry of stories that delve into human emotions, societal norms, and historical contexts. Each film promises to provide a unique cinematic experience, making them must-watch additions to your movie list.# Exploring the depths of cinema and TV: A journey through new releases
A tale of identity and belonging: ‘Sebastiano’s Journey’
In the heart of Calabria, a young boy named Sebastiano finds himself at a crossroads. Raised by his mother Darja and father Walter, he now faces the shocking revelation that he was kidnapped as a newborn. This gripping narrative forces Sebastiano to confront his true identity: is he the son of hardworking Calabrian laborers, or a wild child nurtured by criminals who genuinely loved him?
Producer Chiara Cruciatti praises the film’s universal and timeless aspects, highlighting the director’s fascination with the intricate relationship between parent and child, the loss of innocence, and the profound connection between family upbringing and individual identity. This film promises to be a poignant exploration of what it means to belong and the complexities of familial love.
For a sneak peek, check out the Sebastiano’s Journey trailer.
‘Lost Paradise’: A quest for survival in a dystopian world
Directed by Hugues Hariche
Hugues Hariche, known for his previous work “Rivière,” brings us a haunting vision of a world ravaged by water scarcity in ‘Lost Paradise’. The story follows Luna, who embarks on a perilous journey with her sick younger brother, Paul, to reach the rumored irrigated and peaceful lands beyond the “border.” Despite their father’s warnings, Luna is determined to find a better life for her brother.
Hariche, who co-wrote the script with Eric Malabry, describes the film as a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a dying earth. The characters traverse desolate landscapes, driven by the hope of finding a lost paradise. The film is characterized by its minimal dialogue, relying instead on gestures, looks, and fleeting smiles to convey the essence of life and survival.
Produced by Xavier Grin for P.S. Productions, ‘Lost Paradise’ is set to begin filming in the fall of 2025. Dive into this dystopian adventure by watching the Lost Paradise trailer.
‘Undercurrents’: A blend of drama and magical realism
Directed by Beatrice Minger
Beatrice Minger, known for her documentary “E.1027,” makes her fiction debut with ‘Undercurrents’, a drama infused with magical realism. The story centers on young Luisa, who believes she has caused a crack in the Dam of Sihl after throwing a stone. Sent to live with her grandmother, Luisa uncovers the roots of a generational trauma marked by loss and disconnection.
Minger describes the film as a narrative where the past is always present, exploring the struggles of two mothers and a girl’s quest for identity and maternal love. Set in an alpine region with a history of poverty, ‘Undercurrents’ speaks to a universal audience, offering a fresh perspective on the enduring impact of past traumas.
Produced by Rhea Plangg and Michela Pini for Switzerland’s Cinédokké and Lido Pictures, ‘Undercurrents’ promises to be a compelling exploration of identity and familial bonds. Experience the magic by watching the Undercurrents trailer.
Personal reflections for cinema and TV enthusiasts
As a lover of cinema and TV series, these upcoming releases offer a rich tapestry of narratives that delve into the human condition. ‘Sebastiano’s Journey’ invites us to ponder the essence of identity and belonging, while ‘Lost Paradise’ challenges us to consider the lengths we would go to for survival in a dystopian world. ‘Undercurrents’ reminds us of the ever-present influence of the past on our present lives.
Each of these films brings a unique perspective, blending drama, adventure, and magical realism to create stories that resonate on a deeply personal level. They encourage us to reflect on our own experiences and the universal themes that connect us all.
For those eager to explore these narratives further, the trailers provide a glimpse into the worlds these filmmakers have crafted. Whether you’re drawn to the emotional journey of Sebastiano, the dystopian quest of Luna and Paul, or the magical realism of Luisa’s story, there’s something here for every cinema enthusiast.
Enriching the experience with additional context
Understanding the context behind these films enhances our appreciation of their narratives. ‘Sebastiano’s Journey’ is not just a story of a boy discovering his true identity; it’s a reflection on the impact of upbringing and the bonds that define us. ‘Lost Paradise’ offers a stark commentary on environmental degradation and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. ‘Undercurrents’ delves into the generational impact of trauma, exploring how the past shapes our present and future.
These films are more than just entertainment; they are windows into different aspects of the human experience. They challenge us to think, feel, and connect with the characters and their journeys. As we watch these stories unfold, we are reminded of the power of cinema to illuminate the complexities of life and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
For more information and to watch the trailers, visit the links provided. Dive into these captivating narratives and let them inspire your own reflections on identity, survival, and the enduring impact of the past.
