The 24th edition of Open Doors, the Locarno Film Festival's co-production platform and talent development program, has concluded, unveiling its 2026 winners. This year's focus on Africa marks a shift from the previous three-year cycle dedicated to Latin America and the Caribbean, showcasing the program's commitment to diverse voices and storytelling. The winners were selected through various categories, including the Open Doors Grant, CNC Development Grant, ARTEKinoInternational Award, Sørfond Award, EAVE Award, Tabakalera-San Sebastian Film Festival Residency Award, Rotterdam Lab Award, Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) Prize, and the AFP Critics Prize.
One of the notable winners is 'A Vineyard for A Lobster' by Talemwa Pius, produced by Emmanuel Gashumba, which received CHF 20,000 in funding. The film explores the impact of a sudden snowfall on a drought-stricken village in Uganda, highlighting the complex dynamics of power and ambition. Another winner, 'Accept My Plea for Burial' by Mohammed Sheikh, delves into the grief and accusations surrounding the death of a young boy in a Somali pastoral village, showcasing the community's struggle to find closure.
'Too Much Music' by Aseye Fiagbe, a documentary about the Ghanaian keyboard prodigy Kiki Gyan, received CHF 10,000. The film examines the challenges faced by artists in the music industry and the complexities of credit and ownership. The CNC Development Grant went to 'Chapa 100' by Ique Langa, a Mozambican film that tells the story of an elderly flower vendor's romance with a vegetable seller, set against the backdrop of Maputo's bustling streets.
The ARTEKinoInternational Award was awarded to 'The Ones With the Tempered Flowers' by Neema Ngelime, a personal journey that explores the expectations placed on women in Tanzania. The Sørfond Award and EAVE Award were also given to the same project, recognizing its unique storytelling and the director's commitment to international distribution. 'I Live in V.I.' by Ugochukwu Azuya received the Tabakalera-San Sebastian Film Festival Residency Award, praised for its universal themes and potential for collaboration.
The Rotterdam Lab Award was presented to Adja Mariam Mahre Soro, a producer from Ivory Coast, for her dedication to strengthening the local ecosystem through training initiatives and international collaborations. The OIF Prize went to 'Sarah' by Pocas Pascoal, an Angolan film based on the life of Sarah Maldoror, one of the first Black female filmmakers. Finally, the AFP Critics Prize was awarded to 'Submergido' by Ariel Añez, a poignant exploration of the human cost of conflict in Mozambique.
These awards not only provide financial support but also offer valuable opportunities for training, networking, and international collaboration, fostering the growth and recognition of diverse voices in the film industry.
