Among the projects taking part in this year's Locarno Open Days programme is a documentary about the legendary Ghanaian musician Kiki Gyan.
Six projects from ten different African countries were selected to participate in the program. The Locarno Open Doors program is in its second year of a four-year cycle dedicated to Africa. The project titles are listed below:
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Ghana: Too much music. Director and producer: Asey Fiagbe.
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Mozambique and South Africa: Chapa 100. Director: Ike Langa, producer: Lara Souza (Kulunga Filmes).
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Nigeria: I live in VI. Directed by Ugochukwu Azuya, produced by Olubunmi Ogunsola.
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Somalia and Djibouti: Please accept my request for funeral arrangements. Directed by Mohammed Sheikh, produced by Qadir Harbi Hassan (Aleel Films).
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Tanzania – Kenya: Those who have refined colors. Director: Nima Ngelime, Producer: Ivy Kiru of AQ Pictures.
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Ugandan: Lobster Vineyard . Director: Talemwa Pius, Producer: Gashumba Emmanuel (Gripmagic Uganda Limited).
Locarno also has an "Open Doors" program for producers and directors. Producers from six countries have been selected: Mamunata Nikiema (Pilumpiku Production), Natasha Craveiro (Cabo Verde, Korikaxoru Films), Aja Mariam Mahre Soro (Studio Kä), David Ikeata (Vox Cinematic Films), Rua Osman (Helomur Picture), and Tapiwa Chipfupa (Ambidextrous Pictures).
The directors of Open Doors are Fagamou Fama Ndiaye (Senegal), Redyet Haddis Yalew (Ethiopia), Pocas Pascoal (Angola), Judith Nini Kibinge (Kenya), and Arielle Añez (Mozambique). Their short films will be part of Open Doors, the festival's official section, which features both short and feature films. The full list will be announced on July 1, 2026.
The Locarno Festival will run from August 5 to 15.
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