Productions can access rebates of up to 20% on spending with local audiovisual professionals and service companies, while eligible costs such as accommodation, catering and location rental can receive support of up to 40%. Funding is capped at CHF20,000 per project.
By rewarding spending made directly in the area, the fund is designed to spread the economic impact of production beyond the set. Local crews and service providers stand to benefit, alongside hotels, restaurants, property owners and other businesses involved in hosting a shoot.
A new fund for the Locarno region
The LRFF was officially presented on August 6 during the opening of Locarno79 and will be administered by the Ticino Film Commission (TFC).
Its creation brings together ten municipalities in the Locarno area, the intermunicipal association CISL and the Lago Maggiore and Valleys Tourism Organisation.
An initial CHF60,000 annual budget will come from the participating municipalities. From 2027, the tourism organisation will add CHF10,000, bringing the total available each year to CHF70,000.
Authorities will test the initiative over an initial three-year period before evaluating its results.
For local representatives, attracting productions is as much about economic activity as it is about visibility. Minusio mayor Renato Mondada described the fund as “a concrete investment in the regional economy.” Fabio Bonetti, director of the Lago Maggiore and Valleys Tourism Organisation, also pointed to the opportunity to strengthen the area’s profile in Switzerland and internationally.
Locarno adds to Ticino’s growing production offer
Rather than operating in isolation, the LRFF becomes part of a wider network of production support already available in Ticino.
Local funds are already active in Mendrisio and Airolo, while the Ticino Film Commission can provide additional case-by-case financial support of up to CHF20,000 per project. TFC also assists productions with free location scouting and logistical support.
Similar incentives have emerged elsewhere in Switzerland. Valais offers rebates of between 15% and 35% of eligible costs, while Zurich can provide up to CHF30,000 for international projects and minority co-productions. Geneva introduced a rebate of up to 30% in 2026, and Neuchâtel is currently testing support of up to 15%.
At federal level, productions can also apply to PICS – Film Investment Refund Switzerland, which reimburses between 20% and 40% of eligible Swiss production expenditure.
For Locarno, the Locarno Region Film Fund adds a practical production incentive to a region already closely associated with international cinema. By linking support directly to local spending, the fund also encourages incoming productions to work with crews, service providers and businesses based in the area.
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