Locarno Film Festival Unveils Retrospective on British Postwar Cinema
This year’s Locarno Film Festival will spotlight “Great Expectations: British Postwar Cinema 1945-1960,”a detailed examination of the vibrant cinematic landscape of post-World War II Britain. Announced in London, this retrospective follows the festival’s 2024 celebration of Columbia Pictures reaching its centennial milestone.
A Tribute to British Cinema
Described as a tribute to a transformative period in British cinema, the retrospective aims to provide a comprehensive depiction of life during the postwar era, reflecting societal changes through popular films. Curated by Ehsan Khoshbakht and produced in collaboration with the BFI National Archive and the Cinémathèque Suisse, the program will screen over 40 films, supported by StudioCanal.
Historical Context and Significance
According to festival organizers, “After the conclusion of World War II—and as Britain’s extensive overseas empire began to diminish— the nation faced a challenging path toward reconstruction and renewal.”The lineup will include classics from iconic filmmakers like David Lean, Carol Reed, and Powell and Pressburger, whose work is celebrated in previous retrospectives at Locarno and the BFI. The curated selection will also feature lesser-known yet significant works from directors like Seth Holt and Lance Comfort, marking a significant era in British filmmaking.
Inclusion of Women and Exiled Filmmakers
The retrospective emphasizes the critical contributions of women in cinema during this era, spotlighting directors such as Muriel Box, Wendy Toye, Margaret Tait, and Jill Craigie. The influence of American filmmakers, exiled due to the anti-Communist blacklist— including Joseph Losey, Cy Endfield, and Edward Dmytryk— will also be a focal point, showcasing the diverse fabric of British postwar cinema.
Featured Films
Among the notable films set to be featured are:
- Pool of London – Directed by Basil Dearden, this noir crime film is recognized for introducing the first interracial relationship in British cinema, starring Bonar Colleano and Earl Cameron.
- Obsession – A crime drama from Edward Dmytryk, featuring Robert Newton and Sally Gray.
- The Shop at Sly Corner – Directed by George King and starring Oscar Homolka and Derek Farr.
- Peeping Tom – A psychological horror-thriller directed by Michael Powell, featuring Carl Boehm and Moira Shearer.
Digital Restorations and Further Publications
The program will feature digital restorations alongside archival prints from the BFI National Archive, commemorating its 90th anniversary this year. Accompanying the retrospective will be a book edited by Ehsan Khoshbakht and published by Les Éditions de l’Œil, containing essays from a variety of international writers. After Locarno’s 78th edition concludes, the program will also be showcased at the Cinémathèque Suisse during August and September.
Insights from the Curator and Artistic Director
Ehsan Khoshbakht noted the underexplored nature of British cinema, stating, “It’s hard to believe that one of the most refined and remarkable European national cinemas – one that also gifted some of the finest artists and technicians to Hollywood – remains so underexplored beyond its borders.” He expressed that British cinema’s studio-produced films combined popular entertainment with artistic innovation, thus narrating a complex national identity.
Giona A. Nazzaro, the festival’s artistic director, emphasized the influence of this fertile filmmaking era, stating it will be meticulously examined in this major retrospective—highlighting the transition from WWII to the Free Cinema movement.
Reflections on a Turbulent Era
James Bell, the senior curator at the BFI National Archive, remarked on the tumultuous years following the war, noting, “These years were filled with challenges both domestically and internationally, yet they also fostered a rich—albeit often misunderstood—period in British filmmaking.”
Event Details
The 78th Locarno Film Festival is scheduled to take place from August 6 to August 16.