To all the Filmmakers out there, we are here with an exciting trainee program in Switzerland that you should not miss out on! You heard it right! Application call for the Locarno Filmmakers Academy 2025. Locarno Filmmakers Academic is offering a 10-day extensive training program in Locarno, Switzerland to all filmmakers belonging to any part of the world. The Locarno Film Festival is specifically designed for young emerging filmmakers who want to gain hands-on experience in filmmaking and overcome the new challenges in terms of production and distribution of work.
The Locarno Filmmakers Academy announcement was recently made through its official portal:
A unique opportunity for all film directors to gain experience and expertise in filmmaking and a chance to meet with the big names who have made a contribution to cinema history. The application process is online, all interested filmmakers fulfilling the criteria need to apply via the official portal by April 20th, 2025.Â
Swiss is calling out all the emerging filmmakers so don’t miss out on this chance!
Details About Locarno Filmmakers Academy 2025
| Eligible Countries | All Nationals |
|---|---|
| Program | Filmmakers Academy |
| Location | Locarno, Switzerland |
| Program Duration | 10 Days |
| Film Festival Dates | 6-16 August 2025 |
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the 2025 Locarna Fim Festival Academy you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Emerging Filmmakers from all around the world are invited to apply
- Applicants age must be 18-35 years
- A short film directed by you selected for the international festival
- Passionate and have a keen interest in filmmaking
Filmmakers Academy Objective
- Locarno Film Festival offers extensive training to emerging directors
- Gain hands-on experience and meet the big names of the film industry
- A platform where new ideas take shape
- Showcase your work with fellow participants and with the Locarno audience
Program Benefits
The festival offers:
- Accommodation in the Locarno Youth Hostel
- Showcase your work at the Locarno Film Festival
- Participation in the program organized by the academy
- Screening one of your short films in a theater during an academy screening
- Meet fellow filmmakers from all around the world and build connections
Guests in Recent Years
Here is the list of big names who have previously attended the festival as a guest:
| Director | Notable Works |
|---|---|
| Ken Loach | I, Daniel Blake, Kes |
| Agnès Varda | Cléo from 5 to 7, The Gleaners and I |
| Werner Herzog | Aguirre, the Wrath of God, Grizzly Man |
| Gaspar Noé | Enter the Void, Irreversible |
| Eliza Hittman | Never Rarely Sometimes Always |
| Pedro Costa | Vitalina Varela, In Vanda’s Room |
| Chantal Akerman | Jeanne Dielman, News from Home |
| Sean Baker | The Florida Project, Tangerine |
| Lav Diaz | Norte, the End of History, The Woman Who Left |
| Michael Cimino | The Deer Hunter, Heaven’s Gate |
| Abel Ferrara | Bad Lieutenant, King of New York |
| Jonas Mekas | Walden, Lost Lost Lost |
| Bruno Dumont | L’Humanité, France |
| Todd Haynes | Carol, Safe |
| Albert Serra | The Death of Louis XIV, Pacification |
| Radu Jude | Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn |
| Maren Ade | Toni Erdmann |
| Luca Guadagnino | Call Me by Your Name, Suspiria (2018) |
| Kelly Reichardt | First Cow, Wendy, and Lucy |
| Alfonso Cuarón | Roma, Gravity |
Important Dates
- Online Application: 18 March – 20 April, 2025
- Result Announcement: 26 May 2025
- Film Festival Dates: 6-16 August 2025
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Participation Cost?
The application submission fee for the Film Festival Academy is CHF 10
The program covers:
- Accommodation, Accreditation to film festivals, masterclasses, and daily meal vouchers of CHF 10.
The program does not cover:
- Travel to and from Locarno
How to Apply for Filmmakers Academy 2025?
Filmmakers who fulfill all the criteria need to fill out an online application form through the official portal. Visit the official link below to apply.
