When Art Meets Influence: Inside the Magic of Locarno
No other event in Switzerland brings together film lovers quite like the Locarno Film Festival, which kicks off again next week. But this is far more than a celebration of global cinema: it’s a meeting point of minds, where art, science, and business intersect – all under the symbol of the leopard.
Since its founding in 1946 and its move to a fixed August slot in 1971, the Locarno Film Festival has grown into a cultural institution and a vivid mirror of the international film scene.
During eleven days, hundreds of films are screened – the most iconic of which are shown each evening under the open sky on the Piazza Grande, in front of an audience of up to 8,000.
Stage for Bold, Independent Cinema
The festival’s top honor, the «Golden Leopard», is awarded to the best film in the international competition. The leopard stands for boldness, elegance, and independence – values that also shape the artistic vision of the festival itself.
Piazza Grande in Locarno (Image: Keystone)
While supported by prominent sponsors, Locarno has retained a character that sets it apart from overly commercialized festivals. It remains, above all, a cultural event with a strong emphasis on auteur and arthouse cinema.
One of its greatest assets is its accessibility. Directors, producers, and actors can be seen not just on stage but in the cafés and bars of Locarno. This closeness inspires even A-listers to engage in informal, enriching exchanges with the public.
«Friendly Conspiracy»
In 2008, long-time attendees launched the Leopard Club to strengthen the festival’s cultural and financial foundation. Spearheaded by Ticino entrepreneur Rolando Benedick, the idea was – as he described it to «Ticino Welcome» – the product of a «friendly conspiracy» between his wife and then-festival president Marco Solari.
Rolando Benedick with US-actress Hilary Swank (Image: Keystone)
Together, they turned the club into the most exclusive venue for patrons and helped elevate the festival’s global reputation. Today, the club is an elegant haven for guests who value cinema, culture, and curated encounters.
Celebrating Imagination and Enabling Dialogue
Since 2013, the «Leopard Club Award» has honored individuals whose work has shaped the audience’s imagination. Club president Felix R. Ehrat, a respected figure in business and cultural circles, sums it up succinctly: «The Leopard Club is an exclusive oasis where new connections are made and the magic of cinema is celebrated.»
Leopard Club President Felix R. Ehrat (Image: Globalance Bank)
Memberships are available at two levels – Silver and Gold – and open the door to a year-round program of exclusive cultural events in Switzerland and abroad. The benefits peak during the festival, where members enjoy priority seating, access to the elegant club lounge, gourmet dinners, and even walks down the red carpet.
Culture Meets Commitment
For those who value both cinema and social impact, the Leopard Club offers more than glamour. Annual memberships – 5,000 francs for two or 10,000 francs for five – are tax-deductible and serve as a form of cultural sponsorship with tangible rewards.
Club Lounge at the Festival (Image: Leopard Club)
«Through their contributions, members become part of the festival ecosystem,» explains Ehrat. «The club is a space of dialogue – between art and business, public and private sectors, academia and the film industry.» And, increasingly, a place where stories and ventures are born.
Supporting the Cultural Fabric of Locarno
Beyond its exclusive flair, the Leopard Club also plays a vital role in supporting Locarno’s cultural infrastructure. A key initiative was the restoration of the historic GranRex cinema, one of the city’s architectural and cinematic landmarks.
Opening concert performed by the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana (Image: OSI)
Also emblematic of its broader mission is the opening concert, supported by the club, in collaboration with the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana (OSI). At this much-loved tradition, silent film classics are brought to life with stirring live performances – a testament to how the festival continues to blend past and present, artistry and emotion.
Rare Experience
For those who see cinema as more than entertainment – as a cultural force, a conversation starter, and a catalyst for connection – the Locarno Film Festival and its Leopard Club offer a truly rare experience.
