Switzerland's Locarno Film Festival is gearing up to commemorate the centennial of Columbia Pictures with a special retrospective showcasing classic titles produced by the renowned Hollywood studio from the early days of sound to the late 1950s. The retrospective, titled 'The Lady With the Torch -- The Centenary of Columbia Pictures,' is curated by Ehsan Khoshbakht, co-director of Italy's Il Cinema Ritrovato festival, known for its dedication to cinematic treasures of the past. The event is organized in collaboration with Switzerland's Cinémathèque Suisse and will be officially unveiled at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles.
During its heyday, Columbia Pictures was responsible for creating some of the most iconic films in American cinema, spanning a wide range of styles and genres. Originally established in 1924 as Cohn-Brandt-Cohn, the studio rebranded itself as Columbia Pictures and eventually adopted the Lady With the Torch as its emblematic figure, symbolizing the spirit of American cinema.
The Locarno retrospective aims to shed light on both well-known and lesser-known filmmakers associated with Columbia Pictures, including names like Max Nosseck, Seymour Friedman, and William A. Seiter, as well as celebrated auteurs such as Howard Hawks, Frank Borzage, Fritz Lang, Frank Capra, George Stevens, and John Ford.
The retrospective, according to Khoshbakht, offers an unofficial history of Columbia Pictures, highlighting not only major names and award-winning films but also exploring the contributions of B-unit filmmakers and undiscovered talents. The event will feature new restorations of films by acclaimed directors like John Ford and Phil Karlson, courtesy of Sony's support.
Following its premiere at Locarno, the 'Lady With the Torch' retrospective will embark on a global tour, showcasing a diverse selection of American cinema masterpieces, hidden gems, and timeless classics. Locarno's artistic director, Giona A. Nazzaro, expressed pride in hosting the centennial celebration of Columbia Pictures, describing it as a journey through a creatively vibrant period in American film history.
The 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, known as Europe's premier independent cinema event, is scheduled to take place from August 7 to 17, offering audiences a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich legacy of Columbia Pictures and the cinematic artistry it has inspired.
