Locarno Pro Takes on the Big Issues: AI, “Algorithms and Consolidation Versus Creative Freedom”
By Georg Szalai
Published on August 3, 2026.
Locarno Pro, the Swiss festival's industry program, will focus on big issues such as AI, “Algorithms and Consolidation Versus Creative Freedom” during its 15th edition, taking place Aug. 6-11. The traditional StepIn session will explore how power structures, politics, AI and data are reshaping independent cinema. This year will be the second year with a focus on Africa, focusing on six projects in development, six producers and five directors, and in partnership with ACAU, the First Look initiative for works-in-progress Uruguayan films currently in post-production. The Locarno Investment Community, which debuted last year, will have around 45 investment players and a stronger program for them to network and mingle with its talent. Markus Duffner, director of Locarnos Pro, expects around 2,000 accredited industry guests to attend this year, with around three-quarters of those coming from Europe.
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