When Virginie Efira took the stage at the Locarno Film Festival, it wasn’t just another awards ceremony—it was a moment that crystallized the essence of cinema itself. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how Efira, a Belgian-born actress with a penchant for challenging roles, embodies the very spirit of the festival she was honoring. Locarno, as she aptly noted, is a celebration of cinema’s avant-garde, a place where films aren’t just screened but experienced. And Efira, with her eclectic filmography—from All of a Sudden to Benedetta—is the perfect ambassador for this ethos.
One thing that immediately stands out is her humility. When she apologized for speaking only French in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, it wasn’t just a gesture of politeness—it was a reminder of how cinema transcends language. The crowd’s enthusiastic ‘yes’ in response wasn’t just about understanding her words; it was about connecting with her passion. What many people don’t realize is that this kind of authenticity is rare in an industry often criticized for its superficiality. Efira’s ability to bridge cultures and languages through her craft is, in my opinion, what makes her a true artist.
Her tribute to Locarno’s faith in its audience is also worth unpacking. When she said, ‘We are not finite entities with predictable desires,’ she wasn’t just praising the festival—she was challenging the entire film industry. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a direct critique of the algorithm-driven, formulaic content that dominates today’s screens. Locarno’s commitment to innovation and surprise is a breath of fresh air, and Efira’s endorsement of this philosophy feels like a call to arms for filmmakers and audiences alike.
What this really suggests is that cinema, at its core, is a dialogue—between creators and viewers, between tradition and experimentation. Efira’s emphasis on the collective nature of filmmaking (‘An actor on their own isn’t much’) is a powerful reminder of this. It’s easy to glorify the individual in Hollywood, but Efira shifts the focus to the directors, the audience, and the collaborative process. This raises a deeper question: Why do we so often reduce cinema to its stars when it’s the synergy behind the scenes that truly matters?
A detail that I find especially interesting is her microphone cutting out mid-speech. Instead of pausing or waiting for technical support, she simply continued, louder and unamplified. This wasn’t just a moment of professionalism—it was symbolic. Cinema, like life, is unpredictable, and sometimes the most authentic moments come from embracing the chaos. Her quick recovery and the crowd’s laughter turned a potential mishap into a highlight, proving that resilience and adaptability are as important in art as they are in life.
Locarno’s artistic director, Giona A. Nazzaro, called Efira ‘an incomparable artist’ who ‘embodies the modernity of cinema.’ I couldn’t agree more. Her ability to navigate diverse roles—from learning Japanese for All of a Sudden to tackling complex characters in Parallel Tales—showcases a versatility that’s rare in today’s typecast-driven industry. What makes this particularly fascinating is how she manages to stay true to herself while constantly reinventing her craft.
As the festival transitioned to the premiere of I Is Another, a film about Heinrich Himmler’s massage therapist, it felt like a natural continuation of Efira’s themes. Cinema, at its best, forces us to confront uncomfortable truths and explore the human condition. Efira’s presence at Locarno wasn’t just about celebrating her career—it was about celebrating the power of film to challenge, inspire, and unite.
In my opinion, Efira’s speech wasn’t just a thank-you note; it was a manifesto for the future of cinema. It reminded us that in an era of streaming and algorithms, the magic of film lies in its ability to surprise, to connect, and to transcend. Personally, I left her words feeling more hopeful about the industry’s future—and more excited to see what she does next. Because if there’s one thing Virginie Efira has proven, it’s that cinema, like her, has no limits.
