Locarno Open Doors: three-year focus on Latin America and the Caribbean comes to an end
In a world where space for dialogue is ever diminishing, cultural platforms are essential, helping to strengthen social cohesion and build bridges. Art and culture are cornerstones of freedom of expression, peace and sustainable development. Films in particular show the diversity of realities and amplify the voices of minorities. Through the Open Doors initiative, the SDC supports filmmakers from the Global South and East at the Locarno Film Festival.
For over 20 years, the SDC has been a partner of Open Doors Locarno – a networking platform for filmmakers from the Global South and East, which offers access to the Swiss and international markets. This is often constrained in their home regions by various obstacles such as restrictions on freedom of expression or a lack of cultural resources.
Networking and cultural exchange
Access to financial support, exhibition venues or political support is often difficult or even impossible for artists in their own countries. Thanks to Open Doors, participants can build networks, make important contacts that can shape and boost their careers, and find out about other projects. The aim of the partnership is to strengthen the film and art sector in the partner countries. The film talents return to their countries with the experience gained in Locarno and support the local industries.
Switzerland – especially its cultural sector – also benefits from this exchange, which enriches dialogue and builds bridges to other cultures. The promotion of film and culture in general is also part of Swiss foreign policy and development cooperation. «Culture is a human right and at the same time an excellent indicator of democracy and the rule of law – and a key ingredient of sustainable development,» says Patricia Danzi, the director-general of the SDC.
Culture is a human right and at the same time an excellent indicator of democracy and the rule of law – and a key ingredient of sustainable development.
Cultural promotion: A key to strengthening diversity and social cohesion
The SDC supports culture because it creates an important space for critical reflection and promotes diversity, which is essential for social cohesion. Culture addresses key aspects of international cooperation such as gender equality, migration, climate and human rights, thus contributing to raising awareness and improving understanding. In addressing these issues, it plays a key role in building inclusive, tolerant and peaceful societies based on the values of justice and human dignity.
Culture strengthens dialogue, builds bridges between different communities and acts as a catalyst for peace and understanding. It is an indispensable element of democracy that brings together different perspectives, promotes freedom of expression and helps to resolve conflicts. By making space for creative expression, culture enables people to exchange ideas and contributes to the creation of an open, inclusive and peaceful society.
New focus from 2025
After three years in which Latin America and the Caribbean took centre stage, the geographical focus will next shift to Africa. This continent is a priority region for the SDC's international cooperation and the aim over the next four years is to develop further synergies between SDC programmes there and Locarno Open Doors.
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