Locarno Film Fest Shaken Up Amid SAG-AFTRA Strike

The Locarno Film Festival has released an update regarding its guest list due to the ongoing Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike. The festival's 76th edition is set to run from August 2 to August 12. Some notable changes include the withdrawal of UK actor, Ahmed, who was previously slated to receive the coveted Davide Campari Excellence Award. Despite Ahmed's absence, his latest film, Yann Mounir Demange’s "Dammi," will debut as planned on the Opening Night in the Piazza Grande, expected to be witnessed by a crowd of 8,000.

The screening of "Mughal Mowgli," directed by Bassam Tariq, within the Histoire(s) du cinéma section remains unhampered. The film's Leopard Club Award recipient, Stellan Skarsgård, though foregone his award to align with the strike, will be present in Locarno for the screening of the new film "What Remains" by Ran Huang, which features in the Fuori concorso section.

However, the anticipated events on August 4 and 5, including the Award ceremony and the Conversation with the audience, have been cancelled. Meanwhile, the Piazza Grande screening of "Theater Camp" (2023) on August 11, featuring co-director Nick Lieberman, will proceed as scheduled. Co-director and actor, Molly Gordon, along with fellow actors Ben Platt, and Noah Galvin will not be present at the event.

The festival awaits word on whether Cate Blanchett, the executive producer of Noora Niasari’s "Shayda," will make an appearance. The Locarno Film Festival marks the first major European film festival to be affected by the ongoing strike.

The festival organizers shared their stance of viewing the strike as indicative of the contemporary film industry's underlying issues. They voiced support for constructive discourse while respecting the actions of their guests. Artistic Director, Giona A. Nazzaro, spoke with Deadline, expressing solidarity with the strikers advocating for fair compensation, profit sharing, protection of intellectual creation, and human-centric industry operation over algorithmic domination.

Diving into the not-so-shiny side of the silver screen, it's clear these challenging twists and turns are more than mere plot devices thrown into the mix in an attempt to captivate audiences. This strike, and the reaction to it, stands as a reflection of a real-world struggle that is often overlooked in the glitzy facade of Hollywood.

Our friend, Skarsgård, seems to have his priorities straight - supporting his colleagues rather than sauntering off with an award. And as for Ahmed, you have to admire his commitment to the cause as he sacrifices his moment in the spotlight. It’s as if the quintessential, ensemble-cast MCU film unfolds before us, but instead of fighting off intergalactic baddies, they combat unfair wages and conditions.

Nazzaro's call for fair wages, profit sharing, and protection of creativity reverberates through our sea of entertainment, eliciting a standing ovation. After all, in the dazzling world of cinema, it's easy to forget the years of work, dedication, and, not to mention, heaps of coffee, poured into creating the magic we marvel at on the big screen.

And Cate, wherever you are, your presence will no doubt cast some much-needed star power on the festival. Here's hoping you can provide a glimmer of glamour amidst the murkiness.

In a sense, the Locarno Film Festival has become a stage for a play we didn't know we needed - reminding us that beneath every captivating role and every mesmerizing movie, there are dedicated individuals who deserve due recognition and rights. The show must go on, yes, but let's not forget those who turn the cogwheels behind the scenes. Their stories matter too.