Key points
- Jackie Chan expresses his gratitude to Locarno and crowd for honor
- I am just so happy and so honored to be here: Jackie Chan
- Locarno artistic director praises Chan’s influence on cinema
ISLAMABAD: Film icon Jackie Chan was given a reception at the 78th edition of the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.
According to media reports, he was honoured with Pardo alla Carriera, or Career Leopard award, on the Swiss town’s Piazza Grande square. Chan showed off his Italian skills, greeting the crowd with a warm “Buona sera” and a wave as he took the stage.
Upon receiving the award, Chan jokingly pointed out that it was “very, very heavy.” He expressed his gratitude to Locarno and the crowd for the honor, saying, “I am just so happy and so honored to be here.”
“Because of you”
He also thanked directors and stars worldwide who have “made me look good” and particularly acknowledged his fans, stating, “Because of you, I am standing here.”
The star also highlighted his 64-year career in the film industry. Before posing for photos, he concluded with a wish for global unity, saying, “Love and peace. Love you all! Ti amo!”.
The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable even before Chan’s appearance. Fans wore Jackie Chan T-shirts and held signs saying, “I Love Jackie Chan.” When images of Chan were shown on the big screen, the audience erupted in cheers and applause.
On the red carpet, Chan interacted with fans, waving, smiling, and even striking a martial arts pose.
Locarno artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro praised Chan’s influence on cinema, saying, “Director, producer, actor, screenwriter, choreographer, singer, athlete, and daredevil stuntman, Jackie Chan is both a key figure in contemporary Asian cinema and one whose influence has rewritten the rules of Hollywood cinema.”
