The Locarno Film Festival is once again attracting arthouse buffs and film industry insiders to the picturesque town in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland.
The eclectic lineup of the fest’s 77th edition is chock full of independent films to discover and classics to revisit. And, of course, big film names, from Indian mega-star Shah Rukh Khan and French actress Mélanie Laurent to Erin Brockovich producer Stacey Sher and The Piano and The Power of the Dog director Jane Campion, are among those invited to receive special honors. They will mix with the roughly 16,000 inhabitants, or about 56,000 when including surrounding areas, of Locarno.
For those who need a break from watching all these new movies, discussing industry trends, learning from the pros, or dealmaking or networking, the town has much to offer.
Here is a look at some of the things to do and see in Locarno when not watching film festival movies or attending its broad lineup of events.
Piazza Grande – the heart of the town
Festivalgoers know the square that is the heart of Locarno as the screening location, with 8,000 seats, for some of the most anticipated movies of the fest.
