The Locarno Festival’s Bold Move: Why Kids’ Cinema Deserves the Spotlight
When I first heard that the Locarno Film Festival was launching a competitive section for children’s films, my initial reaction was one of surprise—not because it’s a bad idea, but because it’s long overdue. Film festivals often treat kids’ cinema as an afterthought, a niche category tucked away in the corners of their programs. But Locarno’s decision to spotlight young audiences with the Locarno Kids Screenings feels like a cultural reset. It’s not just about showing movies; it’s about recognizing that children’s cinema is a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and social commentary.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the festival’s commitment to diversity and complexity. The lineup isn’t just about talking animals or fairy tales—though there’s nothing wrong with those. Films like the Swiss nature documentary Derborence the Age of Animals and the Danish social documentary If Luck Will Come tackle themes like environmentalism and social inequality. Personally, I think this reflects a broader shift in how we view children’s media. Kids today are growing up in a world of climate crises, political upheaval, and digital overload. Why shouldn’t their films reflect that reality?
One thing that immediately stands out is the jury. A panel of 11 to 15-year-olds will decide the Locarno Kids Award laMobiliare. This isn’t just a cute gimmick; it’s a statement. It says, We trust young people to have opinions, to think critically, and to shape culture. What many people don’t realize is that children are often the most honest and insightful critics. They’re not jaded by industry trends or cinematic pretension. If a film resonates with them, it’s probably hitting on something universal.
From my perspective, the selection of films is a masterclass in balancing accessibility and depth. Take The Summer That Ended Twice from Italy—a coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of adolescence. Or MU-KI-RA, a Colombian animated film that blends fantasy with cultural heritage. These aren’t just movies to keep kids quiet for 90 minutes; they’re invitations to think, feel, and question. Daniela Persico, the programmer for Locarno Kids Screenings, nailed it when she said the goal is to create a journey that’s both surprising and accessible.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the inclusion of out-of-competition titles like Angel Seekers and Viva Carmen. These films push boundaries even further. Viva Carmen, for instance, reimagines Bizet’s opera through the eyes of street kids. It’s a bold move that challenges the traditional divide between ‘high art’ and ‘children’s entertainment.’ If you take a step back and think about it, this is what cinema should be—a space where creativity knows no bounds, regardless of the audience’s age.
This raises a deeper question: Why has it taken so long for festivals to take kids’ cinema seriously? Is it because we underestimate children’s capacity for empathy and understanding? Or is it because we’ve been conditioned to see ‘family-friendly’ as synonymous with ‘simplistic’? Locarno’s initiative is a wake-up call. It reminds us that children’s films can—and should—be as ambitious, thought-provoking, and artistically daring as any other genre.
What this really suggests is a future where kids’ cinema isn’t just a sideline but a central part of the cultural conversation. Imagine a world where young audiences are encouraged to engage with complex themes, where their voices are amplified, and where their stories are celebrated. Locarno’s 2026 edition isn’t just a festival program; it’s a manifesto for the power of cinema to shape minds, spark conversations, and inspire change.
In my opinion, this is just the beginning. If other festivals follow Locarno’s lead, we could see a renaissance in children’s filmmaking—one that challenges stereotypes, embraces diversity, and treats young audiences with the respect they deserve. After all, the films we watch as children often stay with us for a lifetime. Why not make them count?
