2025 Edition

Workshops and activities 2025

Cinema is a powerful and universal language, capable of telling stories in ever-new ways. Are you interested in discovering how this magic happens? Do you want to learn about scene lighting, sound capture that makes you jump out of your seat, or how to tell a story without using any words?

By participating in one of these workshops, you'll receive a special pass that grants you free admission to all Locarno Kids Screenings (just remember to reserve your seats in advance). You'll get the pass just before the workshop, or you can choose to pick it up at the begenning of the Festival at the Info Point Coop in Locarno (open 6—16.8.2025, 8:30 AM - 10 PM).

Please note: most workshops and activities will be held in Italian.

AGES 6 - 15

LAC edu

LAC edu offers workshops for children and teenagers, featuring activities like dance cinema, musical soundscape creation, and using artificial intelligence to produce short films. These hands-on experiences invite participants to explore the intersection of art and technology in a fun, creative, and expressive way. August 7-13.

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Ages 9 –13

Play! Framing the Territory Through Your Eyes: A Film Workshop.

A creative experience for girls and boys who want to discover cinema as a tool to observe, imagine, and tell stories about the world. Guided by two professionals from the film industry, participants will create a collective short film, exploring the area starting from the playground. An open and inclusive workshop where every idea finds space, and teamwork becomes an opportunity for discovery, expression, and sharing. August 11–12.

Registrations closed.

AGES 6 - 14

Movie&Media Labs

Want to explore the world of cinema but don't know where to start? The Movie & Media Labs are the perfect place. Eight different workshops, divided by age group (6–8, 9–14, and 11–14 years), will guide you through the discovery of cinema and other ways of telling stories. You'll learn how to use video cameras and lights, animate characters, create stories for radio, design interactive adventures, and much more. It's an excellent opportunity to express your creativity and bring your ideas to life while having fun!

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AGES 14 - 18

X-Labs

Explore the world of storytelling and writing with a workshop designed for teens aged 14 to 18. You'll have the chance to learn how a screenplay is born—developing characters, settings, and dialogue to turn an idea into a compelling story. During the workshop, you'll study inspiring examples and put your creativity to the test by writing the original script for a short film.

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AGES 8 - 12

Dietro le quinte

Come with us behind the scenes of the Festival! Discover hidden corners, meet the people who bring cinema to life, and find out where the Pardo hides when it's not on stage... A unique experience at the heart of the Festival. August 13.

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AGES 1 - 6

Kids Corner

A cozy space for the Festival’s youngest guests, open from August 7–16, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Preschool – Scuola dell’Infanzia, Via Ripa Canova (San Francesco). If you're visiting the Locarno Film Festival with young children, the Locarno Kids Corner offers a calm and welcoming space designed especially for them. Open to kids aged 1 to 6, it's a place where little ones can play, rest, or simply take a break from the buzz of the Festival.

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Ages 0–99

Clean Up!

An outdoor activity designed for the whole family and anyone who wants to help take care of the environment. Join a fun treasure hunt-style litter collection, guided by IGSU “Swiss competence centre against littering” ambassadors, and help make our community cleaner, with a chance to win a prize! No need to bring anything, just show up on Saturday, the 9th, at 10 AM in Piazza Remo Rossi. For responsibility reasons, we kindly ask that at least one parent be present.

It is appreciated if you announce your attendance.

Ages 12–15

“In the Shoes of a Filmmaker” with WWF and RSI EDU

An immersive experience designed for curious teens eager to tell stories through images. Guided by WWF and RSI EDU experts, participants will explore the language of cinema and themes of sustainability, collaboratively creating a short film. A creative lab where talent, environment, and technology come together.

Registrations closed