Locarno 2026 Shorts — Build One Next Month, on Less

Constraint: one month, smaller budget. Solution: reduce variables: one location, cast of two–three, rehearsal-only acting, a sharply rigged single camera package, and a post plan that favours assembly over VFX.

Method (step-by-step)

1) Script to camera: cut scenes to continuous beats you can cover in single setups. 2) Previsualise as shot lists and timing; rehearse with key performers until takes hit duration. 3) Choose one strong location that can double for multiple moments with simple lighting flips. 4) Use practical effects, props and archival inserts to add political/contextual weight instead of expensive production design. 5) Plan a two-crew shoot day rhythm: one camera op/AC and one sound/producer; shoot fast, keep setups to 8–12 per day.

Keep post minimal: conform rushes, assemble a rough cut immediately, and use colour and sound design to create texture rather than rely on costly VFX.

Voices

“15 years ago, I completed my military service in the Israeli army’s spokesperson unit. Today, based on real texts I found during my time there, I open up a dialogue with a young Israeli sniper.”
Rachel Gutgarts, director

“Who produces and controls the images that we see, and how do those images impact the reality that we imagine?”
Bani Khoshnoudi, director

Film tech notes (when not given: noted as such)

• Typhoon Mambo — Camera: not stated; Format: not stated; Frame rate: not stated; Shoot days: not stated
• Elegy for the Forgotten, on an Endless War — Camera: not stated; Format: not stated; Frame rate: not stated; Shoot days: not stated
• Goat — Camera: not stated; Format: not stated; Frame rate: not stated; Shoot days: not stated
• Maids of Petroleum — Camera: not stated; Format: not stated; Frame rate: not stated; Shoot days: not stated
• The Architect Who Built His Own Collapse — Camera: not stated; Format: not stated; Frame rate: not stated; Shoot days: not stated
• Gherking — Camera: not stated; Format: not stated; Frame rate: not stated; Shoot days: not stated
• The God that Destroys — Camera: not stated; Format: not stated; Frame rate: not stated; Shoot days: not stated
• Ãsheghetam / Filmsaaz — Camera: not stated; Format: not stated; Frame rate: not stated; Shoot days: not stated
• Las damas — Camera: not stated; Format: not stated; Frame rate: not stated; Shoot days: not stated
• Dans les rêves, quand on dort pas la nuit — Camera: not stated; Format: not stated; Frame rate: not stated; Shoot days: not stated