Journey Through Shadows: In the Land of Arto Opens the 78th Locarno Film Festival

The cinematic world is abuzz as Tamara Stepanyan’s compelling drama, In the Land of Arto, prepares to open the 78th Locarno Film Festival on August 6, 2025. This spellbinding French-Armenian film promises a journey through grief, secrets, and the haunting landscapes of Armenia.

A Star-Studded Cast Faces the Past

At the heart of this evocative story is the acclaimed Camille Cottin (“Call My Agent!”, “House of Gucci”), who delivers a powerhouse performance as Céline—a woman drawn to Armenia to administer her late husband Arto’s affairs. But what begins as a bureaucratic task soon turns into a profound odyssey through truths, lies, and histories left unspoken.

![Zar Amir Ebrahimi and Camille Cottin confrontation, dramatic lighting, emotional tension, film still](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1506744038136-46273834b3fb?auto=format&fit=crop&w screen is Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi, whose magnetic presence sparks every scene. She weaves tension and empathy into a role that complicates Céline’s journey through lands still bearing wounds of war.

A Landscape of Memory and Mystery

Stepanyan’s direction blurs the line between past and present, crafting a film that is as much about the land’s haunted contours as the human quest for identity. The setting becomes a living character—bearing scars of conflict and whispering secrets to those seeking closure.

Can we ever truly settle the ghosts of our loved ones, or are we forever trailing in their shadow?

Why You Can’t Miss In the Land of Arto

• Stunning Visuals: Armenia’s majestic yet somber landscapes are beautifully shot, offering a powerful backdrop.
• Profound Storytelling: The script balances mystery and mourning, giving viewers a meditative experience on loss and resilience.
• Award-Winning Talents: Performances by Cottin and Ebrahimi electrify the screen, bringing depth and nuance to every frame.

![Moody landscape of Armenia, cinematic look, mist and mountains, war-scarred villages](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1523978591478-c753949ff840?auto=format&fit=crop&w Thoughts

In the Land of Arto is not just a film—it’s an experience. It invites us to reflect on identity, history, and the hope that can arise from even the deepest loss. As it opens the Locarno Film Festival, this unforgettable journey promises to linger with you long after the credits roll.

Catch In the Land of Arto in theaters soon and let yourself be swept into this unforgettable odyssey of remembrance and revelation.

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