Between the films: places and encounters

Locarno is about celebrating many things, and not only cinema. Until 2005 this atmosphere of people coming together was embodied by the Grand Hôtel, where everyone gathered to celebrate until the small hours of the morning, away from the timetables and social conventions. A night-time swim in the pool in the midst of the crowd? Why not? These collective celebrations are now a thing of the past. 

Since then, other venues have sprung up. Have they replaced the Grand Hôtel and what it represented? The people we interviewed did not agree about this. Opinions vary depending on the age, interests and experiences of each individual. Official ceremonies: too pompous and elitist? Impromptu bars: too temporary and crowded? The Rotonda: too noisy and commercial? For many people, only the Bistrot Paravento seems able to evoke an inclusive spirit that is not only festive but also cultural, with a strong regional connection. 

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This video is part of the exhibition «We are the festival too! New voices on the history of the Locarno Film Festival».