Still: The First Flower - Astrit Ismaili

The First Flower, a co-production between Kosovo, Switzerland and the Netherlands, written and directed by Astrit Ismaili, has been selected for the Concorso Nazionale section of Pardi di Domani. A coming-of-age story follows Siki over one intense day in Prishtina as they navigate desire, violence, and transformation. Inspired by the myth of an ancient plant that evolved into the first flower to attract pollinating insects, Siki turns survival into beauty, revealing what it takes to bloom.

Also selected for the Pardi di Domani - International Competition is Obscura, written, directed and produced by Timoteus Anggawan Kusno. The Indonesian-Dutch co-production will celebrate its world premiere in Locarno. Haunted by nostalgia for a place they never knew, three gallery workers steal a Mooi Indië landscape painting and drive toward the paradise it promises, only to enter a dreamlike passage where keroncong, colonial images and archival ghosts unsettle the afterlife of a paradise that never existed.

Dutch minority co-production Donkey Princess, directed by Cristóbal León and Joaquín Cociña, will celebrate its world premiere at the festival on 7 August. Produced by León & Cociña Films and Globo Rojo Films (Chile), with Dutch co-production by Marleen Slot for Viking Film, the feature follows Diana, princess of an ancient kingdom, whose father, King Arthur, forbids love. When Diana falls in love with Lalo, he banishes him. Using a magical bracelet, Diana travels to other worlds in search of her love. Discovering that her father manipulates her decisions, she must face her fears and change her destiny. International sales are handled by Bendita Film Sales.

Visit the Locarno website for more information.