CELEB
A Uruguayan Celebration at Locarno Pro
The Swiss Alps are about to get a taste of South American storytelling. Locarno Pro's beloved work-in-progress section, First Look, is turning 15 this year. and it's doing so in style by shining a spotlight on Uruguay. Six captivating projects have been selected for the milestone edition, all hailing from the small but mighty South American nation. The selection was developed in close collaboration with ACAU, Uruguay's national film institute, ensuring these projects have the full backing of the country's film community.
Stories That Dig Deep
What makes this lineup particularly exciting is its range. First up is José Dell'Acqua Postiglione's "Maltrato animal" (Animal Abuse), which plunges viewers into the dark underbelly of veterinary medicine. The film follows a struggling veterinarian who stumbles headfirst into a shadowy network of illegal breeding operations and pharmaceutical trafficking. Described as both grotesque and terrifying, this project promises to be a gripping exploration of moral compromise and the lengths people go to when desperation strikes.
Then there's Guillermo Casanova Arósteguy's "Our Little Band of Justice," a nostalgic yet haunting trip back to the 1980s. The story centers on young Lucía, whose world is upended when her best friend's family is forced to flee under mysterious circumstances. and Lucía goes with them. It's a coming-of-age tale wrapped in political tension, capturing how childhood innocence collides with adult secrets.
Why Uruguay Deserves the Spotlight
Uruguayan cinema has been quietly building a reputation for punching above its weight on the international stage. Despite being a nation of just 3.5 million people, Uruguay has produced filmmakers who consistently turn heads at Cannes, Venice, and now Locarno. The country's film industry has matured significantly over the past two decades, with ACAU playing a crucial role in nurturing homegrown talent and attracting international co-productions.
This First Look selection underscores that momentum. By dedicating an entire section to Uruguayan projects, Locarno is sending a clear signal: this is a national cinema to watch. The variety of genres. crime thriller, family drama, period piece. demonstrates that Uruguayan filmmakers aren't limiting themselves to a single box.
What This Means for the Films
Being selected for First Look isn't just an honor. it's a practical lifeline. The section connects filmmakers with potential co-producers, distributors, and financiers who attend Locarno specifically looking for the next big thing. For these six Uruguayan projects, the festival represents a gateway to the resources they need to cross the finish line.
As the 15th edition approaches, all eyes will be on this Uruguayan cohort. From veterinary noir to childhood displacement, these stories promise to resonate far beyond their small nation's borders. proving once again that great cinema often comes from unexpected places.
