Spring Story, El Surubí Win Locarno First Look Prizes

The cross-ocean love story "Spring Story" and the miracle comedy "El Surubí" were the standout films at Locarno's 2026 First Look, an industry event focused on Uruguayan productions in post-development. Both films were awarded two prizes each during a ceremony held on Sunday evening in Locarno, Switzerland. These accolades recognized two of the most substantial projects presented, demonstrating the breadth and variety of cinematic works emerging from Uruguay. The First Look initiative at the Locarno Film Festival serves as a platform to showcase and support films in their final stages of production, offering industry professionals a glimpse into upcoming international cinema.

"Spring Story," directed by Ana Guevara and Leonardo Brzezicki, received the Open Doors Production Grant, an award valued at CHF 15,000 (approximately $16,700 USD). This grant is designed to assist filmmakers in completing their projects, covering costs associated with post-production and distribution. Additionally, "Spring Story" earned the European Audiovisual Entrepreneurs (EAVE) prize, which provides participants with a tailored development support program. The film's narrative centers on a long-distance relationship, exploring themes of connection and separation across geographical divides. The EAVE program is a renowned initiative that fosters collaboration and professional development among European audiovisual professionals, offering workshops and networking opportunities.

"El Surubí," a comedy directed by Federico Borgia and Guillermo Kloetzer, also garnered two significant awards. The film was honored with the ArteKino International Award, which comes with a €6,000 (approximately $6,500 USD) prize and a commitment from ArteKino to screen the film. This award is crucial for international distribution and visibility. Furthermore, "El Surubí" secured the Open Doors Lab prize, providing its directors with a dedicated development support package. The film's premise involves a series of miraculous events, promising a blend of humor and fantastical elements. The Open Doors Lab is an intensive workshop designed to enhance the creative and strategic development of selected projects.

The First Look section of the Locarno Film Festival is a key component of its Open Doors program, which aims to foster the development of independent cinema from specific regions. For 2026, the focus on Uruguay provided a concentrated showcase of the country's burgeoning film industry. The selection process for First Look involves rigorous evaluation of projects in post-production, with an emphasis on artistic merit and market potential. The awards presented at the ceremony are intended to facilitate the completion and international release of these films, thereby strengthening the global presence of Uruguayan cinema. The success of "Spring Story" and "El Surubí" at this event underscores the quality and diversity of narratives being produced in Uruguay, positioning them for wider recognition on the international film circuit.