First Look, the works-in-progress initiative of the Locarno Film Festival‘s Locarno Pro industry program, will put the spotlight on Uruguay at its 15th edition this year, held during the 79th Locarno Film Festival Aug. 5–15.
As a post-production platform for international arthouse projects, First Look connects producers with decision-makers at a crucial stage of financing, sales, and festival positioning.
In partnership with ACAU – Agencia del Cine y el Audiovisual del Uruguay, First Look will present six Uruguayan feature films currently in post-production, introduced by their producers to an audience of international sales agents, buyers, festival programmers and post-production fund representatives.
“Uruguay’s selection as the 2026 focus reflects the country’s increasing presence within the international festival circuit and its growing engagement with Locarno,” organizers said on Friday. “Recent editions of the festival have featured Uruguayan productions and co-productions across multiple sections, including The Enemies of Pain (Los enemigos del dolor, 2014) by Arauco Hernández and Norberto’s Deadline (Norberto apenas tarde, 2010) by Daniel Hendler, as well as The Guest Room (El cuarto del fondo, 2007) by Ana Guevara and Leticia Jorge and Manolo Nieto’s El lugar del hijo (2008). International co-productions with Uruguayan participation include Kiss of the Spider Woman (2025) by Bill Condon and Severina (2017) by Felipe Hirsch.”
“At a time in history when the need for new voices is urgent and inevitable, turning our attention to Uruguay means broadening our horizons once again,” said Giona A. Nazzaro, artistic director of the Locarno Film Festival. “Six films in post-production, evaluated by a jury of international experts, representing a forward-looking commitment to the future of cinema: a commitment where creativity and vision intersect with a new, sustainable way of engaging with the industry.”
Markus Duffner, director of Locarno Pro, added: “We are delighted to turn our spotlight onto Uruguay for the 15th edition of First Look. This initiative remains a cornerstone of our mission to support the final stages of outstanding films and to help propel the international careers of emerging filmmakers.”
Said Gisella Pevitali, president of ACAU: “Uruguay’s presence in the Locarno Film Festival as the protagonist of First Look 2026 marks a strategic moment for our cinematography this year. This significant achievement not only recognizes Uruguayan talents but also highlights the continuous evolution of our public policies and the tangible, growing international appreciation for the quality, diversity, and originality of Uruguayan cinematic works.”
She added: “This presence reinforces and elevates Uruguay’s standing on the global film scene. It positions our country not just as a source of compelling content, but as a reliable, fertile ground for international co-productions and a significant player within the diverse landscape of Ibero-American cinema.”
Producers can apply through Locarno Pro until May 6. Producers need to provide a rough cut of at least 60 minutes at any stage in the post-production process. The principal production company for the film must be based in Uruguay. The selection of projects, along with the jury members, will be unveiled in July. The winners will be honored during the Locarno Pro Award Ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 9.