Locarno, 3 August 2025 – The Locarno Film Festival notes with great respect and understanding the current discussion surrounding the replacement of the screen infrastructure on the Piazza Grande, designed in 1971 by Ticino architect Livio Vacchini. The Festival recognizes and greatly appreciates the commitment shown by the public and experts alike and is keen to engage in an in-depth, constructive and transparent discussion on the future of the Vacchini structure.
The Festival’s top priority is now to ensure the successful staging of the 78th edition, which will take place from 6 to 16 August 2025. As already announced on several occasions, this year the 78th Locarno Film Festival will use a functional and sustainable structure to support one of Europe’s largest cinema screens on the Piazza Grande.
Following the 78th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, the Festival will work with all stakeholders, including the Vacchini Studio, led by architect Eloisa Vacchini, to establish an appropriate and constructive dialogue. On this renewed basis, an important exchange can then be initiated to explore concrete and shared solutions for the future of the structure designed by Vacchini. “We are convinced that a well-founded, well-prepared and future-oriented dialogue offers the best starting point to jointly develop a long-term solution that is respectful of the cultural and historical value of Livio Vacchini’s original idea and project,” says Raphaël Brunschwig, CEO of the Locarno Film Festival.
We warmly welcome comments and suggestions at schermo@locarnofestival.ch. Your input will be essential in enriching the dialogue on the future of the Piazza Grande screen.
For more information and frequently asked questions, please refer to the dedicated page on the official website.
