Carlo Chatrian

Carlo Chatrian
Name	Carlo Chatrian
Birth date	1971
Birth place	Aosta, Italy
Nationality	Italian
Occupation	Film curator, Artistic director, Film critic
Known for	Artistic Director of the Berlin International Film Festival, Director of the Locarno Film Festival

Carlo Chatrian. He is an influential Italian film curator and artistic director, best known for his transformative leadership at two of Europe's most prestigious film festivals. His career is defined by a discerning curatorial vision that champions auteur cinema, discovers new talent, and fosters critical dialogue within the international film community. From the alpine setting of Locarno to the global stage of Berlin, his programming has significantly shaped contemporary film culture.

Early life and education

Born in Aosta in the Aosta Valley region of Italy, Chatrian developed an early passion for cinema. He pursued philosophical studies at the University of Turin, where he engaged deeply with film theory and criticism. During this formative period, he began writing for various Italian film magazines, laying the groundwork for his critical voice. His academic background in philosophy profoundly influenced his later curatorial approach, emphasizing narrative complexity and conceptual rigor.

Career at Locarno Film Festival

Chatrian's festival career began in earnest at the Locarno Film Festival, where he initially served as a programmer. He was appointed Artistic Director in 2012, following the tenure of Olivier Père. Under his leadership, Locarno solidified its reputation as a vital discovery platform for innovative and independent cinema from around the world. He curated the prestigious Concorso internazionale and expanded sections like Signs of Life and the Piazza Grande, balancing avant-garde works with popular audience films. His tenure was marked by retrospectives dedicated to masters like Abbas Kiarostami and a strong focus on Latin American cinema.

Artistic direction of Berlin International Film Festival

In 2019, Chatrian was named the Artistic Director of the Berlin International Film Festival, succeeding Dieter Kosslick. He officially began his role in 2020, alongside Executive Director Mariette Rissenbeek. His edition of the Berlinale introduced a restructured competition, aiming for a sharper focus on artistic audacity. He consistently selected films from celebrated auteurs like Hong Sang-soo, Claire Denis, and Philippe Garrel for the main competition. His programming also emphasized geopolitical narratives, showcasing works from regions including Iran, Ukraine, and Southeast Asia, while maintaining the festival's commitment to the European Film Market.

Film programming and curatorial approach

Chatrian's curatorial philosophy is characterized by a commitment to cinematic artistry over commercial considerations. He is known for championing first and second features, providing a crucial launchpad for emerging directors at major festivals. His programs often explore thematic strands such as the intersection of landscape and identity, and the formal boundaries of documentary and fiction. This approach has been evident in sections he oversaw, including the Berlinale Forum earlier in his career and the Encounters section he inaugurated at the Berlin International Film Festival to spotlight formally innovative works.

Film criticism and publications

Parallel to his curatorial work, Chatrian has maintained an active role in film criticism and publishing. He was a founding member and editor of the renowned Italian film journal Duellanti, which later became Cinema & Cinema. He has authored and edited numerous books on cinema, including monographs on directors like Michele Placido and critical studies on film genres. His written work frequently appears in publications such as Cahiers du Cinéma and Film Comment, establishing him as a thoughtful critic whose analysis informs his programming choices.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, Chatrian has received significant recognition for his contributions to film culture. Under his direction, the Locarno Film Festival was awarded the Best European Festival accolade at the European Film Awards in 2015. His curated retrospectives have received critical acclaim internationally. In 2023, he was honored by the French Syndicate of Cinema Critics for his influential role in shaping film discourse. His legacy is cemented by the numerous filmmakers whose careers he has elevated on the world stage.

Category:Italian film critics Category:Film festival directors Category:1971 births Category:Living people