The Locarno International Film Festival was practically the starting signal for the Canton Day Ticino at Expo 02.

The programme was dominated by the Carte Blanche offered by Irene Bignardi. A special focus was also placed on the Italian-speaking world. Over the course of the two days, in addition to the screenings for the general public, meetings with authors and actors, press conferences and discussions with the directors were organised under the direction of President Marco Solari.

24.09.2002
18:30: Reception for the authorities and the press
Meeting with Irene Bignardi, artistic director of the festival
Videobiography by Cristina Trezzini: TSI, 55 years of the Locarno Festival

20:15: Aime ton père by Jacob Berger
Official ceremony
Film in competition at the 2002 Locarno Film Festival

20:45: Ernstfall in Havanna by Sabine Boss
Homage to the most successful Swiss film of the season 
Appellation Suisse at the Locarno Film Festival 2002

25.09.2002
17:30: Hinter mir with Bruno Ganz by Norbert Widmer
Homage to Bruno Ganz, member of the international jury of the 2002 festival
Award for the best Swiss actor 2001
The film was presented at the Critics' Week of the 2002 Locarno Film Festival.

18:45: Jenseits der Grenze by Rolando Colla
Film of the international competition of the festival 2002    

20:15: Guerre sans images - Algeria, je sais que tu sais! by Mohammed Soudani
Film presented as part of the Critics' Week of the 2002 Festival.
After the screening, discussion with the author Mohammed Soudani and the producer Tiziana Soudani, AMKA FILM

20:45: Eine Stunde Foto by Sabine Boss
Gala closing night screening of Carte Blanche by Irene Bignardi
Film in competition at the Locarno Film Festival 2002