Two Lithuanian films secured three major awards on the final day of the Locarno Film Festival on Saturday. Toxic, a movie depicting the connection between two young aspiring models trying to leave their dreary hometown, clinched the top honor. Lithuania's Saule Bliuvaite's debut feature overcame competition from 16 other films to claim the Golden Leopard, the highest accolade at Switzerland's premier film event. At 30, Bliuvaite was the youngest director in the running for the Golden Leopard. She noted that her film captures a transitional period between childhood and adulthood, where one does not fully fit into either role.
The Special Jury Prize was awarded to the Austrian film Mond, directed by Kurdwin Ayub. Additionally, Drowning Dry, another Lithuanian production focusing on sisters coping with trauma, garnered two significant awards. Laurynas Bareisa received the best director award, while the ensemble cast of actors Gelmine Glemzaite, Agne Kaktaite, Giedrius Kiela, and Paulius Markevicius shared the best performance award.
Glemzaite expressed immense pride for Lithuania, remarking on the historic feat of having two films in one competition and winning three awards. Kim Min-hee was recognized with another best performance award for her role in the South Korean film By The Stream, a school-set drama.
The festival also celebrated Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, and directors Jane Campion and Alfonso Cuaron with special honors. Khan, 58, received the Pardo alla Carriera award for his significant contributions to cinema. Cuaron, the Mexican filmmaker behind Gravity and Roma, was honored with a lifetime achievement award. New Zealand's Campion, recognized with the Leopard of Honour, emphasized the importance of enthusiasm over fear in filmmaking.
Established in 1946, the Locarno Film Festival is one of the oldest annual film events globally, specializing in auteur cinema. Last year's festival, held by Lake Maggiore in southern Switzerland's Italian-speaking Ticino region, attracted nearly 150,000 attendees. The 77th edition, which kicked off on August 7, showcased 225 films, including 104 world premieres and 15 debut features.
