The Locarno Festival has announced its full program for the 79th edition, packed with 103 world premieres. Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro emphasized that these selections are "full of adventure and surprises," highlighting that while addressing today’s challenges, the joy of storytelling and entertainment is never overlooked.

Regular festival participant Hong Sang-soo will be featured with his film "Nowhere to Lay My Eyes," while Nelson Yeo returns to the festival with "The House on the Moon." Yeo expressed that returning to Locarno with "The House on the Moon" is a moment when the stars have aligned. "A few years ago, it felt like catching this month – and we succeeded," he said, expressing gratitude to his wonderful cast and crew for embarking on this journey.

Other productions featured at the festival include Sarah Leonor’s "D’ici Là," Isabelle Stever’s "I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming," Meritxell Colell Aparicio’s "Far from the Trees," and the film "Donkey Princess" directed by Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña. Italy will be represented by Salvatore Mereu’s "Wandering Trees" and "Ketticè," produced by Luca Guadagnino and starring Monica Bellucci.

Mereu stated, "I want to depict Palermo during the [Silvio] Berlusconi era around 2012," reflecting on the cultural stagnation he experienced in his youth and how he feels part of a generation lacking in idealism. This year’s program is filled with bold and innovative productions expected to make a significant impact in the film world.