Locarno fest adds cash, prize

ROME -- The Locarno Film Festival is beefing-up its Filmmakers from the Present competition with increased cash along with a new jerk for the best emerging helmer. Filmmakers from the Present, which runs parallel towards the primary competition from the indie-friendly Swiss fest, is presenting the emerging director award, worth 20,000 Swiss Francs ($22,000). At the same time, section's primary prize, the Filmmakers from the Present Golden Pard, has been upped to $44,000 from $33,000. About 15 feature-length works, including docus, will compete. The 65th edition of Locarno is going to be held August. 1-11 Contact Nick Vivarelli at nvivarelli@gmail.com