Six British Films at Locarno's First Look Take on Toxic Romances, a London Barbershop, the Turbulent Life of 'Get Carter' Helmer Mike Hodges

Six works in progress in the UK have been shortlisted for the 12th edition of Locarno's First Look, a international springboard competition for films in post-production taking place during the Locarno Pro Days.

Since its introduction in 2012, First Look has already focused on Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Israel, Poland, Baltic countries, Portugal, Serbia, Switzerland and Germany

This year, the late Mike Hodges – known for “Get Carter” or “Flash Gordon” – is going to be celebrated in "All at Sea", produced by Hurricane Films, a semi-autobiographical documentary chronicling his life. The film was directed, written and narrated by Hodges himself.

Sarah Lewis, also a producer for Felt Culture, will take a look at the London hair salon" Cuts" in "No ifs or buts. A place that, guided by founders James Lebon and Steve Brooks, has left its post-punk roots of the early 1980s to become a hub for DJs, photographers and style icons.

"The film allows us to bear witness to the passage of time and the profound and often tragic personal change in the lives of hairdressers in the wider context of the changing political and cultural landscape of the UK,” reads the description of the project.

Genre-wise, Nicolai Schumann will deliver a thriller about a man waking up in a locked room with " The Lone Musketeer", produced by Addy Films.

In "7 Keys", Joy Wilkinson will focus on a couple deciding to embark on an erotic odyssey unusual.

"It's a dark and sexy thriller that condenses toxic romance into a wild weekend in other people's homes in London. It's an idea I've been obsessed with for a long time - someone having the keys to all the places they used to live and using them with a new partner, to reveal who they really are," she said. The film is produced by Jeva Films.

"It reminds of the erotic and murderous dance of "The Seven Veils and Bluebeard", bringing that sensation mythical in modern London, where lost souls yearn for true connection.”

Wilkinson is a "big fan" of the genre, she admitted.

"I want to push the boundaries of the kind of movies women are supposed to make. '7 Keys' brings my subversive feminine lens to the erotic thriller, where women are too often reduced to body parts, living or dead,” she observed.

"I wanted to go deeper with Lena and Daniel, taking them on a twisted, intimate and epic journey , stripping away the layers of that first wave of lust through each stage of passion, love and hate, discovering their true nature and whether or not they can survive."

Director Joseph A. Adesunloye – also a producer for DreamCoat Films – will face other lovers at the crossroads paths in "Vanilla," where an interracial gay couple tries to celebrate their anniversary while dealing with past infidelity.

"It's extremely honest and sometimes uncomfortable, but it's a truthful portrayal of a relationship in crisis,” he said. . Let's admit that in the film, years of emotional baggage will finally be discharged during a "stifling" week in Barcelona.

"Bastien and Matt have different flaws and maybe should have parted ways a long time ago. They show how far lovers can go.

Cécile Embleton and Alys Tomlinson will introduce the public to “Mother Vera”: an Orthodox nun facing conflict after 20 years of service. She Makes Productions is on board.

"With First Look, we want to present a diverse and eclectic selection of works in progress and to present a wide range of films to come. We are delighted with the focus on the UK this year, highlighting five emerging talents as well as the latest work of the late and acclaimed cult director Mike Hodges," said Markus Duffner, Head of by Locarno Pro.