The Algorithm-Free Experience of Cinema

The latest lineup for the Locarno Film Festival, under the artistic direction of Giona A. Nazzaro, promises to be a cinematic experience that shuns predictability and algorithm-driven decision-making. In an era where streaming services and social media platforms increasingly dictate what we watch and when, the festival’s commitment to providing an “algorithm-free experience” is a refreshing respite from curated digital feeds.

Nazzaro’s vision for Locarno 79 emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty and being surprised by what one sees on screen. This approach pays homage to the festival’s history as a haven for experimental and avant-garde filmmakers, while also commenting on our increasingly algorithm-driven lives.

One key theme that emerges from Nazzaro’s conversation with The Hollywood Reporter is the significance of community in cinema. He distinguishes between “talents,” “stars,” and “celebrities” – arguing that stars are often remembered for their looks, talents for their craft, and ability to bring depth and nuance to performances. For Nazzaro, actors like Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn represent a lost era of cinematic craftsmanship.

The lineup features bold names alongside established auteurists, including Caleb Landry Jones and Olivia Wilde alongside Hong Sangsoo and Denis Côté. Some may view the inclusion of big-name stars as a nod to commercial appeal, but Nazzaro sees it as an opportunity to showcase artistry and craft.

This approach raises questions about stardom in cinema. As the industry relies increasingly on streaming services and algorithms, what does it mean for a film or performance to be “successful”? Is success solely measured by box office returns or critical acclaim? Or is there something more at stake – a sense of cultural relevance and communal connection that comes from experiencing a film in a shared public space?

The Locarno festival’s commitment to providing an algorithm-free experience is not just about celebrating individual films, but also reclaiming the communal aspect of cinema. In an era where screens increasingly isolate us, Nazzaro’s vision for Locarno 79 reminds us that cinema should be a shared experience – one that allows connection with others and surprise at what we see.

However, this approach also raises questions about accessibility and representation. Who gets to participate in this algorithm-free experience? And who gets left behind? As the industry becomes increasingly globalized, festivals like Locarno must balance their commitment to showcasing diverse voices and perspectives with the need to appeal to a broad audience.

Nazzaro’s vision for Locarno 79 is not just about providing an alternative to algorithm-driven entertainment, but also reclaiming the public space of cinema. As streaming services and social media platforms continue to dominate our lives, it’s essential that festivals like Locarno provide a platform for experimentation, innovation, and community – reminding us that cinema should be an experience, not just a curated feed.

For Nazzaro, being taken out of one’s comfort zone is itself a reward. He notes, “If you are taken out of the set of conventions that usually inform your choices, that is a reward in itself.”