Swiss-born director and designer Marcel Barelli is set to receive the prestigious Locarno Kids Award at the 78th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, scheduled this summer. The award, presented by la Mobiliare, will be conferred on the evening of Tuesday, August 12. During the festival, Barelli will also introduce the Swiss premiere of his latest animated film, Mary Anning, chasseuse de fossiles, which pays homage to the pioneering British paleontologist who transformed the field in the early 19th century.
The announcement comes as the festival also unveils its lineup for the Locarno Kids Screenings, a section dedicated to younger audiences. Among the highlights is Arco, a French animated feature that explores themes of unexpected friendship and the impact of climate change. The film, which won the best film award at this year’s Annecy Film Festival, counts Natalie Portman among its producers.
Celebrating Marcel Barelli’s Unique Vision
Barelli has carved a niche for himself as one of the most promising and original voices in Swiss and international animation cinema. His body of work, including short films like Gypaetus helveticus (2011), Vigia (2013), which won the Pardino d’Argento at the 66th Locarno Film Festival, Lucens (2015), and Habitat (2016), demonstrates a unique poetic style. His films are known for their sensitivity to environmental sustainability and the intricate relationship between humans, animals, and nature.
In 2022, Barelli received the Swiss Film Award for best animated film with Dans la nature (2021). According to Giona A. Nazzaro, artistic director of the Locarno Film Festival, “Marcel Barelli represents an idea of resistance to the conformism of emotions, which becomes a light and dreamy trait to outline a world to rethink and rebuild, returning it to human beings of all ages.”
“According to Barelli, cinema and animation are made of the same material as the most precious and generous dreams,” Nazzaro added.
Locarno Kids Screenings: A Diverse Lineup
The Locarno Kids Screenings for 2025 promise an exciting array of films aimed at younger audiences. The lineup includes:
- Arco by Ugo Bienvenu – Opening Film, Swiss Premiere
- Fantastique by Marjolijn Prins – World Premiere
- Grevlingene (The Badgers) by Paul M. Lundø – Closing Film, World Premiere
- io non ti lascio solo by Fabrizio Cattani – World Premiere
- L’Olívia i el terratrèmol invisible (Olivia and the Invisible Earthquake) by Irene Iborra Rizo – International Premiere
- Skrzat. Nowy początek (Pixie. The New Beginning) by Krzysztof Komander – International Premiere
- Tichá pošta (Secret Delivery) by Ján Sebechlebský – International Premiere
The Impact of Animation on Cultural Narratives
The recognition of Barelli and the curated selection of films at the Locarno Kids Screenings highlight the growing influence of animation in shaping cultural narratives and addressing contemporary issues. Animation, once considered a medium primarily for children, has evolved into a powerful tool for storytelling that resonates across age groups.
Experts note that films like Mary Anning, chasseuse de fossiles and Arco not only entertain but also educate audiences on significant historical and environmental themes. The inclusion of films tackling climate change, for instance, reflects a broader trend in the industry to engage with pressing global issues through creative expression.
“Animation has the unique ability to simplify complex topics, making them accessible and engaging to a wide audience,” said film critic Marie Dubois. “It is a testament to the medium’s versatility and its potential to inspire change.”
As the Locarno Film Festival prepares to open its doors from August 6 to 16, the anticipation surrounding Barelli’s award and the diverse film lineup underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating innovation and creativity in cinema.
Looking ahead, the festival’s focus on young audiences and the inclusion of films with strong social messages suggest a promising future for animation as a medium that not only entertains but also informs and inspires.