Locarno Film Fest Reveals 2026 Competition Lineup

Switzerland’s Locarno Film Festival announced its lineup for the 79th edition, scheduled to run from August 5 to August 15. The International Competition section will feature new films from prominent directors including Hong Sang-soo, Basil Da Cunha, Gurvinder Singh, and Denis Côté. This year's festival will open with the world premiere of "The Green Eyes" by Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh, which will be screened in the Piazza Grande.

The festival's artistic director, Giona A. Nazzaro, highlighted the diversity and quality of the selected films, emphasizing the commitment to showcasing emerging talent alongside established filmmakers. The selection process reportedly involved reviewing over 1,500 submissions from 100 countries, with a particular focus on films that push cinematic boundaries and offer unique perspectives on contemporary issues. The full program, including details on other sections like Concorso Cineasti del presente and Fuori concorso, is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Past editions of the Locarno Film Festival have been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous directors and bringing international attention to their work. The festival is known for its distinctive blend of auteur cinema, genre films, and experimental works, often screened in the iconic Piazza Grande. The announcement of the competition titles sets the stage for a highly anticipated cinematic event, drawing filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from around the globe to the shores of Lake Maggiore.