Locarno Film Festival 2026 lineup 223 films and 103 world premieres

Key Points:

• Locarno Film Festival has announced the official lineup for its 79th edition.
• The festival will take place from August 5 to August 15, 2026, in Switzerland.
• A total of 223 films, including 103 world premieres, will be screened.
• The International Competition includes new films by Hong Sangsoo, Nelson Yeo, Denis Côté and several other acclaimed directors.
• New works by Albert Serra, Olivia Wilde, James Gray and Peter Brunner are also part of the festival programme.
• Organisers received a record 7,759 submissions, representing productions from 69 countries

LAHORE – The Locarno International Film Festival has unveiled the official lineup for its 79th edition. The festival will run in Locarno, Switzerland, from August 5 to August 15, 2026.

This year’s programme features 223 films from around the world, including 103 world premieres. Established filmmakers and emerging talent will present their work across competition and non-competition sections.

International Competition features acclaimed filmmakers

The International Competition includes the latest film by South Korean director Hong Sangsoo. Singapore’s Nelson Yeo, Canada’s Denis Côté, Portugal’s Edgar Pêra and Senegal’s Mamadou Dia will also compete with new projects. Spanish filmmaker Albert Serra will screen his latest feature in the Out of Competition section.

Festival organisers said productions and co-productions from 69 countries are part of this year’s programme. The wide international representation makes this one of the festival’s most diverse editions.

Record submissions for 2026 edition

Organisers received a record 7,759 submissions, almost 22 per cent more than last year. The final selection includes 223 films, four more than the previous edition. Women directed 25 per cent of this year’s feature films. Female filmmakers also directed five of the 17 films competing in the International Competition.

Piazza Grande to host major premieres

The Piazza Grande section will once again host evening screenings in Locarno’s famous open-air square, which can accommodate around 8,000 people. The programme includes The Invite by Olivia Wilde, Paper Tiger by James Gray, Down the Arm of God by Peter Brunner and All About Corinne by Marc Fitoussi.

Artistic director highlights this year’s vision

Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro described the programme as an adventurous selection that explores today’s challenges while celebrating strong storytelling and cinematic innovation. The Locarno Film Festival remains one of Europe’s oldest and most respected film festivals. It continues to showcase independent and international cinema while premiering new films from leading directors.