Locarno to Spotlight Uruguay in First Look Program

Locarno Pro’s First Look program is set to shine a spotlight on Uruguay during the upcoming 79th Locarno Film Festival from Aug. 5-15. This initiative, known for showcasing works-in-progress in the international arthouse cinema scene, provides producers with a valuable platform to present their projects to key industry players such as sales agents, distributors, and festival programmers at a crucial stage in their films’ development and market trajectory.

In its 15th edition, First Look has partnered with the Uruguayan film institute ACAU to feature six Uruguayan feature films currently in post-production. These projects will be presented by their producers to a global audience of sales agents, buyers, festival programmers, and post-production fund representatives. In addition to on-site presentations, the films will also be accessible to accredited professionals through the Festival’s online digital library.

Markus Duffner, director of Locarno Pro, expressed his excitement about highlighting Uruguay in this edition of First Look, emphasizing the program’s role in supporting outstanding films and emerging filmmakers on the international stage. The collaboration with ACAU is expected to enhance the visibility of Uruguayan production companies globally.

ACAU president Gisella Pevitali echoed Duffner’s sentiments, describing Uruguay’s presence as the focus of First Look 2026 as a significant moment for the country’s film industry. She emphasized the continuous evolution of Uruguay’s public policies and the growing international recognition of the quality, diversity, and originality of Uruguayan cinematic works.

Previous editions of the Locarno Film Festival have featured Uruguayan productions and co-productions across various sections, showcasing the country’s talent and creativity on an international platform. The upcoming edition promises to continue this tradition by featuring six films in post-production, evaluated by a jury of international experts, symbolizing a commitment to the future of cinema.

Producers interested in participating in First Look can submit their applications through Locarno Pro until May 6, 2026. To be considered for selection, producers must provide a rough cut of at least 60 minutes at any stage of the post-production process, with the principal production company based in Uruguay. The selected projects and jury members will be announced in July, with valuable prizes up for grabs at the Locarno Pro Award Ceremony on Aug. 9.