Q&A

In spring 2025, the management of the Locarno Film Festival made the decision to replace the existing cinema screen in Piazza Grande with a new supporting structure. The existing screen, designed by renowned Ticino architect Livio Vacchini in 1971 and later extended, has been in use for over 50 years, becoming an iconic part of the Festival’s identity.

The existing setup includes several components: a large screen measuring 26 metres wide by 14 metres high, which remains the focal point of the Piazza Grande experience; a metal grid support structure; a projection booth; and various technical installations, including projector mounts, lighting systems, and audio equipment.

At the 78th edition, a new supporting structure will be introduced. However, key visual elements, such as the cinema screen itself and the iconic audience seating, will remain unchanged, preserving the atmospheric identity of the Piazza. The goal is to ensure continuity with the past while preparing the infrastructure for future needs.

Livio Vacchini (1933–2007) was an internationally acclaimed architect from Ticino, born in Locarno. He studied at ETH Zurich and later taught in both Milan and Zurich, where he played a key role in shaping a new generation of architects. A prominent figure in the Ticino School (also known as the "Tendenza" movement), Vacchini was known for his purist, minimalist, and rigorously structured architectural language, drawing inspiration from classical antiquity and rationalism. His work combined intellectual clarity with formal discipline, earning him widespread recognition both in Switzerland and abroad.

Yes, several. In Locarno, Livio Vacchini designed the post office, La Ferriera (a commercial steel building), and the Saleggi complex of schools. Nearby, in Losone, he also designed the award-winning multi-purpose hall (Palestra Vacchini), which is considered one of his most notable works in the region. Many of Vacchini’s buildings have received architectural awards and are featured in architecture guides and exhibitions, reflecting his lasting influence on the architectural landscape of the area. More information: http://www.studiovacchini.ch/

The existing infrastructure served the Festival remarkably well for over 50 years and was instrumental in shaping the distinctive atmosphere of Piazza Grande. However, its structural and logistical limitations, particularly the significant time and resources required for setup and dismantling, became increasingly apparent. Reducing assembly times is not only a matter of cost and scheduling, but also a way to lessen disruption for citizens and local businesses.

Moreover, as the Festival continues to evolve, a new solution was needed to enhance operational flexibility, safety, and economic sustainability, while also ensuring high quality standards. Importantly, the architectural concept of Piazza Grande, with its iconic screen and temporary seating that together create a unique sense of space and impact on the public, will be fully preserved.

The new screen offers a variety of advantages particularly in terms of setup time and cost efficiency. Its updated design allows for a much faster and more streamlined installation process, reducing the number of days and resources required for setup and takedown. This not only minimizes logistical complexity but also results in substantial cost savings over time, which amounts to 150,000 Swiss francs per year and can be reinvested into the cultural program and content.

By optimizing both the structure and assembly method, we've achieved a solution that maintains the high visual quality audiences expect, while making the overall operation more sustainable and economically viable for the Festival. Last year, the Festival closed with a final loss of CHF 95,000 compared to a budgeted loss of CHF 681K for the same year. A more cost-efficient screen makes a significant contribution to the financial sustainability of the festival.

The time was right to take the next step in our technical development. The replacement reflects our ongoing commitment to combining tradition with innovation, ensuring the highest quality experience for both audiences and filmmakers.

After careful consideration of all technical, safety-related, and design aspects in a multi-stage evaluation process, the decision to replace the infrastructure was made in spring 2025. Initial reflections began shortly after the conclusion of Locarno77, as part of a broader review of long-term needs and goals for the Festival. The decision was formally announced during the general assembly in May 2025, marking the start of a phased approach to prepare for the 80th edition in 2027.

The decision to replace the infrastructure was formally announced during the general assembly in May 2025, and we received no enquiries or additional questions from attendees.

The decision-making process involved consultations between event organizers, local authorities, and professionals from the fields of architecture and engineering. 

Yes, several alternatives were carefully considered during the assessment process. However, none offered the same combination of advantages as a new structure - particularly in terms of reducing setup time, improving cost efficiency, and increasing overall operational flexibility.

A key factor in selecting the new infrastructure was the significantly reduced set-up time, which will increase our flexibility in future years. Alongside functionality and cost-savings of over 150.000 Swiss francs per year, this flexibility allows us to better adapt the festival schedule to optimize attendance and competitiveness in the evolving cultural landscape.

The iconic cinema screen and seats in Piazza Grande remain central to the Locarno Film Festival's architectural and cultural identity. These defining elements, which were integral to Livio Vacchini's vision of one of the world's largest open-air cinemas, will be fully preserved. Although the technical aspects of the infrastructure are being altered, the spatial experience and visual impact that characterize Piazza Grande will remain fully intact. By doing so, the festival honors its architectural heritage while embracing necessary technological change.

We look forward to a broad dialogue with all stakeholders after the festival to discuss the most optimal structure to ensure that the cultural heritage of Vacchini’s structure is acknowledged and reflected in the most appropriate manner.

All the components of Livio Vacchini’s screen will be safely stored until a sustainable solution has been found.

Our top priority is to ensure that the 78th edition of the Locarno Film Festival is a success. After the festival, the various ideas and suggestions will be reviewed together with the different interest groups and stakeholders in order to start a dialogue on a sustainable and appropriate solution for the future in a jointly defined process. We are very aware of the cultural significance of Livio Vacchini’s iconic infrastructure and will do everything in our power to work out a viable solution together will all parties involved.

We look forward to discussing this and other important questions in a joint dialogue with the relevant interest groups and stakeholders after the conclusion of the 78th edition of the Locarno Film Festival.

A broad dialogue with all interest groups and stakeholders is planned. The format of the dialogue will be defined in a joint process after the conclusion of the 78th Locarno Film Festival. See more information here.

You can find the latest information directly on our website: www.locarnofestival.ch

We welcome all comments and suggestions at schermo@locarnofestival.ch. Every contribution will be essential in enriching the dialogue on the future of the Piazza Grande screen.