What makes a truly inspiring film? And what does it take for a film to be considered for the Pardo for Change, an award presented at the Locarno Film Festival?

This year’s three-member jury for the award — filmmaker Mo Harawe, journalist and author Gianluca Grossi, and myself — watched a total of 14 films over eight days. An outstanding selection, we felt, because this year we truly had the luxury — and the difficulty — of choosing among so many remarkable films. Every single one would have deserved an award. But when it came to selecting the film that “best engages with pressing environmental, ethical, social and cultural questions of broad relevance” — the criteria defined by the Locarno Film Festival — we quickly found ourselves in agreement.

The Pardo for Change 2026 went to Ego Reach We All, directed by Amartei Armar — a wonderful film brimming with energy that addresses urgent questions in a singular way. Here is our jury statement:

“Two orphans set out for Accra to find their only living kin — and because they have nothing left to lose. The dangers they overcome only make them stronger. Never victims but self-confident agents, its young protagonists navigate the merciless streets with dignity, solidarity towards their chosen family, and a striving for a better life. Environmental issues surface en passant, never spelled out. With humour, superb acting, and unapologetic storytelling, this fast-paced, visually and musically gripping film sweeps us into its rhythm — a universal story of dignity and hope that redeems its title in full.”

Congratulations to director Amartei Armar , producer Ike Yemoh , the entire film crew — and, of course, to Idrissou Tontie Jr., who won the Pardo for Best Performance Concorso Cineasti del Presente!

The jury also gave a Special Mention to the striking short film Private Property, directed by Deepak Rauniyar and co-written by Asha Magrati. With remarkable precision, this short film offers a profound reflection on capitalism, migration, assimilation, and survival. It asks what happens to our principles and our humanity when the struggle to find and maintain a place of our own becomes a matter of survival.

The second Special Mention goes to the wonderful film Los nuevos, directed by Rodrigo Pla, a Mexican-Spanish co-production. Three children and their inseparable dog set out to discover the cause of the devastating pollution of a river caused by illegal gold mining — pollution that threatens the lives of the inhabitants of a village.

Eleven days — what an incredible journey through the world of cinema! GRAZIE to my fellow jury members, Mo Harawe and Gianluca Grossi, for the inspiring exchange and great collaboration. I learned so much from you.

A big thank you also goes to the team of the Locarno Film Festival , especially Giona A. Nazzaro , Raphaël Brunschwig , and Emma Broggini , for this amazing edition of the festival and for the kind invitation to serve once again as a jury member. And Lisa Gyongy and Pierre Pigoni , thank you so much for taking such great care of us, once again!

Finally, of course, to the Wyss Academy for Nature, which supports the Pardo for Change as an Impact Partner of the Festival: Thank you for your trust and for giving me the opportunity to represent the Academy once again as a jury member. Tatjana Von Steiger, it's always a pleasure to work with you. Let's keep up the spirit!

We are already looking forward to the anniversary edition of the Locarno Film Festival in 2027!