Locarno 2026: StepIn Discusses Film Future

The Locarno film festival's think tank, StepIn, is now in its 15th year and is set to debate the future of film, focusing on key themes such as power, people, and data. This year's discussions are expected to be thought-provoking, according to reports.

Last year's StepIn event reportedly centered around the idea that independent cinema is defined by its willingness to take risks, with one key takeaway being that playing it safe is not always the best approach, sources say.

The theme of this year's StepIn, 'Power, People, Data and the Future of Film', suggests that the event will explore the intersection of technology, human connection, and the film industry, although the specifics of the discussions are not yet clear.

The idea that 'the counter-algorithm is a human being who gives a damn' has been mentioned in relation to the event, reportedly, highlighting the importance of human empathy and connection in the age of data-driven decision making.

The 2026 Locarno film festival is expected to draw a large crowd, with many industry professionals and film enthusiasts attending to engage with the discussions and debates, including those hosted by StepIn, which has become a key part of the festival's programming over the years.

Source: variety.com