Filmsaaz and Neozoon Bring Bold Political Cinema to Locarno: Meet the Filmmakers Behind the Pseudonyms

The Locarno Film Festival has long been known for championing fearless independent cinema, and this year it shines a spotlight on two enigmatic filmmaking collectives—Filmsaaz and Neozoon. Working under pseudonyms rather than individual celebrity identities, these filmmakers are presenting politically charged films that explore themes of power, identity, land ownership, colonialism and personal freedom. Their works, Together and Ãsheghetam, demonstrate how contemporary cinema continues to challenge dominant narratives while giving voice to marginalized experiences.

Instead of relying on conventional storytelling or commercial formulas, both films invite audiences to question social structures, political ideologies and cultural assumptions. Their selection at one of the world’s most respected film festivals also reflects a growing appetite for cinema that sparks conversation rather than simply entertains.

Why Locarno Matters for Independent Cinema

The Locarno Film Festival has earned a global reputation for introducing audiences to visionary filmmakers and experimental storytelling. Unlike festivals that primarily showcase studio-backed productions, Locarno often celebrates films that explore complex social, political and philosophical questions.

Its programming provides a platform for emerging voices, international collaborations and unconventional filmmaking techniques that might otherwise struggle to reach mainstream audiences.

Being selected for Locarno often signals strong artistic merit and can significantly raise a film’s international profile.

Who Are Filmsaaz and Neozoon?

One of the most intriguing aspects of this year’s lineup is the presence of filmmakers working under collective pseudonyms rather than promoting individual identities.

Using pseudonyms can serve several purposes:

• Emphasizing collective creativity over individual recognition.
• Separating artistic work from personal identity.
• Allowing greater creative freedom.
• Shifting attention toward the film’s ideas rather than its creators.
• Reflecting political or philosophical positions about authorship.

By minimizing personal branding, these filmmakers encourage audiences to engage directly with the themes explored on screen.

‘Together’: A Reflection on Land, Ownership and Individualism

Together examines how modern ideas of ownership have shaped societies and relationships with land. The film questions assumptions that many people take for granted, including the belief that land can be permanently owned or controlled.

According to its creators, the film explores:

• Rising individualism.
• Private ownership.
• Colonial legacies.
• Community versus individual rights.
• The influence of Eurocentric perspectives on property.

Rather than offering straightforward answers, the narrative encourages viewers to reconsider historical systems that continue to influence economic and political structures today.

Questioning the Eurocentric Narrative

One of the central ideas explored in Together is how Western concepts of ownership became dominant through colonial expansion.

Many Indigenous and traditional communities historically viewed land as a shared resource connected to culture, ancestry and ecological responsibility rather than private property.

The film asks audiences to reflect on:

• Who defines ownership?
• How have colonial histories shaped modern societies?
• Can alternative relationships with land exist today?
• What role does community play in sustainable living?

These questions remain highly relevant as countries continue debating environmental protection, Indigenous rights and land use.

‘Ãsheghetam’: Love, Identity and Survival in Contemporary Iran

The second featured work, Ãsheghetam, follows the emotional journey of a queer young person in Iran who retreats into a world of romantic imagination while navigating social and personal realities.

The film explores themes including:

• Identity.
• Belonging.
• Isolation.
• Love and hope.
• Emotional resilience.

Instead of presenting a purely political narrative, it uses personal storytelling to illustrate how individual experiences are shaped by broader cultural and social environments.

The Role of Political Cinema Today

Political cinema extends beyond stories about governments or elections. It examines how power influences everyday life, relationships, culture and identity.

Modern political films often address:

• Human rights.
• Migration.
• Climate justice.
• Gender equality.
• Freedom of expression.
• Economic inequality.
• Colonial history.

By focusing on personal stories, filmmakers often make complex political issues more relatable and emotionally engaging.

Why Filmmakers Choose Pseudonyms

Throughout cinema history, some artists have chosen to work anonymously or under collective names for creative, philosophical or practical reasons.

Why Audiences Are Embracing Thought-Provoking Films

Global audiences increasingly seek films that encourage reflection rather than offering simple entertainment. Streaming platforms, international festivals and independent distributors have expanded access to stories from diverse cultures and perspectives.

Films addressing social issues often resonate because they:

• Reflect contemporary global challenges.
• Present underrepresented viewpoints.
• Encourage public discussion.
• Combine artistic creativity with meaningful themes.
• Offer fresh perspectives on familiar issues.

This shift has strengthened the role of independent cinema within international film culture.

The Importance of Film Festivals in Cultural Dialogue

Film festivals serve as meeting points for artists, critics and audiences from around the world. Beyond showcasing new films, they create opportunities for discussions about politics, history, identity and artistic innovation.

By featuring works like Together and Ãsheghetam, festivals encourage cross-cultural conversations that extend far beyond the cinema screen.

Independent Cinema’s Growing Global Influence

Independent filmmakers continue to shape international cinema by exploring stories often overlooked by commercial productions. Their work expands representation while challenging conventional storytelling methods.

Many of today’s most influential directors first gained recognition through international festivals that supported bold artistic experimentation and socially engaged filmmaking.

Conclusion

The presence of Filmsaaz and Neozoon at the Locarno Film Festival highlights the enduring power of politically engaged cinema to question assumptions, amplify marginalized voices and inspire meaningful dialogue. Through Together and Ãsheghetam, these filmmakers use deeply personal stories to examine universal issues such as land, identity, freedom and belonging.

By working under pseudonyms, they further shift attention away from individual fame and toward the ideas at the heart of their films. As audiences increasingly seek authentic and thought-provoking storytelling, projects like these demonstrate that cinema remains one of the most powerful mediums for exploring the complexities of the modern world.