Screening films: where and how

The Pax, the Rialto, and the Kursaal. The history of the Locarno Film Festival began in 1946 with these three cinemas.

Since then, many changes have shaped these beloved meeting spots for cinephiles, particularly the outdoor screenings, which were originally held in the Grand Hotel park (1946-1967) before moving to the Piazza Grande in 1971. Whether they are iconic, dilapidated, or long gone, these movie theaters evoke powerful memories and intimate experiences for every festival-goer.

Do we prefer to remember the smell of the FEVI or the carpets of the Rex? How can custom-built infrastructure be created, from the Morettina to the Piazza Grande? Is the expertise required for film projection at risk of being lost? By revisiting the technical progress and logistical challenges faced by Locarno's cinemas, this clip highlights the issues that became central as the festival entered the 21st century.

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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».