Marco Perego urges indie producers to prioritize art over money

Marco Perego told film producers at Locarno Pro not to make indie films for the money. Speaking alongside his wife Zoe Saldaña, the Italian-born director said trust the director’s vision and stay out of their creative way. The plea came during a masterclass at the Swiss festival where Perego also revealed he had three Cannes competition titles this year. He called himself “a disruptor,” signaling his hands-on, rule-breaking approach to filmmaking.

The timing matters because indie film is caught between shrinking budgets and rising expectations. Streaming platforms now dominate the market, leaving fewer traditional buyers for mid-budget dramas. Perego’s advice reflects a growing tension: financiers want a return, but artists want freedom. He argued that money should follow vision, not the other way around. Saldaña, best known for *Avatar* and *Guardians of the Galaxy*, stood beside him, lending star power to the message.

Perego’s recent Cannes titles include *The Old Guard 2*, *The Killer*, and *Emilia Pérez*—films with bold visuals and sharp storytelling. Each project broke conventions, from genre-blending action to radical character arcs. Locarno Pro, the festival’s industry forum, attracts producers seeking fresh strategies. Perego’s blunt style resonated with many in the room, especially younger filmmakers frustrated by cautious investors.

What happens next could ripple through indie circles. If producers follow his lead, more films may take bigger risks—but budgets could stay tight. Saldaña hinted at a future collaboration, though she didn’t name a project. For now, Perego’s words serve as a manifesto: make art first, profits second. The question is whether the market can afford that luxury any longer.