The virtual square will be dedicated, predictably, to networking, creating a space where the professionals at and participants in Locarno Pro can meet and simply get to know each other. WYTH – the technical partner of Locarno Pro – will make it all possible with the help of the WYTH Plaza, Cineuropa has learnt, but also other multiple interaction tools, all within a single, easy-to-use and intuitive digital-cloud environment.

“With WYTH, we try to create ‘hybrid’ places that allow people to meet and communicate with each other, also in a digital way, giving professionals networking opportunities even during moments of entertainment at a high cultural level, such as top film festivals like Locarno,” says the CEO and founder of WYTH, Samuele Franzini, noting its scalability, flexible pricing and a fully customisable design.

“We are very honoured that the organisers have chosen to rely on us to activate a virtual lounge within Locarno Pro and to allow participants to increase the opportunities for contact with other professionals, which is a fundamental part of the event.”

The WYTH Plaza tool will replicate what happens during a physical event, when two people with common interests meet and shake hands – albeit this time, virtually. Thanks to the two matchmaking algorithms inside of the system, participants can easily identify other like-minded profiles and start one-to-one chat, group or video calls.

“Thanks to WYTH, Locarno Pro will offer its online, registered users the opportunity to move the informal networking environment typical of the Locarno industry into the virtual world,” explains Markus Duffner, head of Locarno Pro.

As noted by its team, Locarno has chosen the platform in order to integrate the brand identity of the various initiatives, creating a hybrid space ready to host all registered participants. Thanks to its integration with Eventival, the world’s main festival management platform, and the “Smart Agenda” function, it allows participants to manage their own programme, and request and manage meetings, with the chance to exchange documents, images and videos.

“Over the past year, we have already supported various cultural organisations and cultural entities in the film industry, helping them to structure their events and training opportunities,” adds Franzini, mentioning When East Meet West, Visions du Réel, EAVE and the MIDPOINT Institute. “Our goal is to offer a more digital experience to those who participate in person and a more physical experience to those who participate remotely, without losing any quality.”

This year’s edition of the Locarno Film Festival will wrap on 14 August.