Virginie Efira’s Love for Cinema and Locarno Has No Limits — Even If Her Mic Does

The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival was marked by a rare display of humility and appreciation for the audience, as embodied by Belgian-born actress Virginie Efira. In her acceptance speech for the Leopard Club Award, Efira’s words were more than just a gracious thank you; they were a passionate defense of the role that film lovers play in shaping the cinematic experience.

Efira noted that Locarno is “perhaps the festival with the greatest faith in the audience.” This sentiment resonated deeply, particularly in an industry where storytelling often takes a backseat to spectacle. In an era dominated by algorithms and market research, it’s refreshing to see a festival that puts its trust in viewers’ taste and curiosity.

The collective nature of filmmaking – where actors, directors, and audiences come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts – is a fundamental aspect of the film industry often forgotten. Efira’s emphasis on this concept is a much-needed reminder of what makes cinema truly special.

Locarno stands out for its commitment to innovative storytelling and willingness to take risks. As Efira noted, the festival “discovers artists, it looks at a cinema that is being invented.” This forward-thinking approach is rare in an industry where nostalgia and familiarity often trump innovation.

The presentation of Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s All of a Sudden during the festival was a prime example of this willingness to take risks. Efira’s collaboration with Hamaguchi on this film, which she learned to act partly in Japanese for, was a bold experiment that paid off. Her commitment to exploring new languages and storytelling techniques is a testament to her dedication to the art form.

As the industry grapples with questions of representation, diversity, and inclusion, Locarno’s approach serves as a beacon of hope. By trusting its audience and embracing experimentation, the festival creates a space for artists to push boundaries and challenge conventions.

The world premiere of I Is Another, written and directed by Felix Randau, was a fitting culmination to Efira’s night. The film’s exploration of the complexities of human relationships during wartime serves as a poignant reminder of the power of cinema to capture the human experience.

As the curtain closes on this year’s Locarno Film Festival, one thing is clear: the festival has found its place in the cinematic landscape. With its faith in the audience, commitment to innovation, and willingness to take risks, it will continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike for years to come.

Efira herself eloquently put it: “On your own, you’re not much. And without the audience, you’re nothing at all.” In a world where film festivals often prioritize self-promotion over collective celebration, Locarno stands out as a shining example of what happens when the focus shifts from individual achievement to shared appreciation for the art form.