Zsuzsi Bánkuti becomes head of Open Doors
The Locarno Film Festival has appointed Zsuzsi Bánkuti as the new director of Open Doors, after she served as interim director this year, leading the first edition of a new three-year cycle focused on films and filmmakers from Latin America and the Caribbean.
For 20 years Open Doors an initiative within the framework of Locarno Pro, organized in collaboration with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). Open Doors promotes the development of film projects and creative producers from priority regions where independent film productions are particularly challenging to realize. The Open Doors program offers participants new networking opportunities, customized training and gives their films a forum for presentation to an international audience.
Zsuzsi Bánkuti has been part of the Open Doors team since 2020. She worked as Talent Development Manager and managed the year-round Open Doors activities. She also works as a consultant for international marketing strategies for Doha Film Institute, Torino Film Lab and Cinemart.
"Zsuzsi Bánkuti brings a spirit of innovation and energy to Open Doors, an initiative that has been an integral part of the Locarno Film Festival for 20 years," said Giona A. Nazzaro, Artistic Director of the Locarno Film Festival. "Her professional experience in the film industry, her vision and power to change, and her ability to lead a highly motivated and talented team are the best foundations for the new three-year cycle that will focus on Latin America and the Caribbean."
