The Locarno Festival 2026 is set to be a must-attend event for cinema lovers, highlighting works that are both captivating and intriguing. Among them is “Brave New Love” by M. Bäck, a bold exploration of the intricacies of polyamory and human relationships, as well as “September Afternoon” by N. Schmidt, a striking dive into the absurdity of daily life in the face of the ecological dramas surrounding us. These two films promise to awaken consciousness and challenge established norms, providing spectators with a deep reflection on love and the human condition.
The Locarno Festival 2026 promises to be a significant event, shining a light on bold and intriguing cinematic works, including the films “Brave New Love” by director Maria Bäck and “September Afternoon” by talented Nicolaas Schmidt. This text explores these two cinematic creations that question human relationships and contemporary issues, offering a profound reflection on our society. Through the lens of art, these films confront audiences with emotional and existential dilemmas while capturing the beauty and melancholy of human interactions.
Brave New Love: the complexity of polyamory
In “Brave New Love,” Maria Bäck addresses delicate themes such as monogamy and polyamory. Kate, a woman who has been in a relationship for over 15 years, finds herself facing a crucial choice. In love with a paleontologist, Andreas, whom she meets unexpectedly, she questions the love she shares with her husband Orlar, the father of their daughter, Athena.
This film does not simply depict a love triangle. It deeply explores the emotional implications of shared love. The absence of moral judgment from the director allows the audience to reflect on the polymorphic nature of feelings. At the conclusion of discussions between women, a striking line resonates: “Both,” embodying a prolific response to the idea that one can love multiple people without betraying their commitments.
More than a simple love story, “Brave New Love” incites introspection on social conventions. The Scandinavian touch in the staging adds a poignant dimension to this reflection, while questioning the norms of exclusivity that prevail in our societies. By revisiting these precepts, the film becomes a mirror of our own inner struggles.
September Afternoon: an apocalyptic reality
In echo to this emotional exploration, “September Afternoon” by Nicolaas Schmidt ventures into a different but equally captivating terrain. This dialogue-free feature film, set on a beach, draws attention through its striking atmosphere. The couple and their daughter, immersed in a disarming normality, prepare for the beach at the moment when the apocalypse seems imminent.
An atmosphere of anxiety sets in, while explosions disrupt daily life. Schmidt, with finesse, captures the absurdity of living normally in the face of the abyss waiting for us. This contrast between the banality of the family’s actions and the urgency of their environment heightens the dramatic tension. The music of Billy Idol punctuates this endless and hypnotizing wait.
Through bold directorial choices, the film succeeds in conveying complex emotions. The spectator faces an important question: “How to live and enjoy each moment when everything seems to be disintegrating around us?” Strikingly, “September Afternoon” creates a space for reflection on the ecological and social crises shaking our world.
Analysis and impact of the works
Through the lenses of the different styles and narratives of Maria Bäck and Nicolaas Schmidt, the Locarno Festival 2026 offers a valuable insight into contemporary cinematography. The two works, although distinct, share a common goal: to stimulate the public’s critical thinking about the human condition.
“Brave New Love” and “September Afternoon” question the very meaning of existence, love, and the decline of our society. They remind us of how cinema can be a vector of social change. By exposing the tensions and conflicts inherent in our relationships, these films pave the way for a richer and more nuanced understanding of human dynamics.
Thus, the Locarno Festival 2026 is not limited to celebrating cinema; it challenges and engages us. These monumental works invite deep analysis while captivating the audience’s imagination. For more information about the festival, you can check out the narratives surrounding these fascinating dynamics here: The works presented at the Locarno Festival.
The Locarno Festival 2026 has proven to be a true showcase of global cinematic creativity, particularly through the screening of “Brave New Love” by Maria Bäck and “September Afternoon” by Nicolaas Schmidt. These two works address complex themes while offering a unique perspective on the human condition.
In “Brave New Love”, Maria Bäck explores the intricacies of polyamory through the story of Kate, a woman torn between her love for her husband and an unexpected passion for Andreas, a paleontologist. Bäck’s delicate direction questions the foundations of romantic exclusivity by immersing us in a deep reflection on the nature of feelings. This film, while avoiding the trap of conventional drama, opens a space for dialogue on desire and relationships today.
On the other hand, “September Afternoon” by Nicolaas Schmidt takes a radical and sensory approach. By eliminating dialogue in favor of captivating music and striking visual staging, the film plunges the viewer into a world where the absurdity of existence mingles with the banality of daily life. As humanity struggles to confront ecological and sociopolitical realities, Schmidt captures the very essence of tension in the face of an imminent disaster, reflecting our inability to act.
These two films testify to a narrative intelligence and a valuable sensitivity, making the Locarno Festival a must-see for fans of bold cinema. By revealing stories that resonate with our times, Bäck and Schmidt encourage us to reevaluate our understanding of love and contemporary crises.
