Production of selected films must have been completed after Fall of the previous year, must at least last 61 minutes and never been screened in a festival outside of the country of production.
All works selected must be screened in their original language with French subtitles (English, German, and Italian Subtitles may also be permitted on a case-by-case basis depending on the original language of the film concerned).
Locarno's Semaine de la critique is a competitive event with its own jury.
The SRG SSR / Semaine de la critique Prize, worth CHF 8'000, rewards the best documentary film in competition and goes to the Director and Producer.
The Premio Zonta Club Locarno goes to a film with extraordinary social commitment.