The 2026 Locarno Film Festival: a mix of new discoveries and arthouse films

Two Italian films are in the competition: “Alberi erranti” by Salvatore Mereu and “Ketticè” by Giovanni Tortorici. One of the masters of South Korean cinema is back in the running for the Pardo d’oro, Hong Sang-soo, is back in the running for the Pardo d’oro with “Nowhere to Lay My Eyes”, but cinephiles will also be eagerly awaiting Florin Şerban’s “You Don’t Belong Here” and Denis Côté’s “Nobody’s Violence”.

Out of competition, the highlights include Vincent Grashaw’s “Bruton”, Bertrand Mandico’s “Roma elastica” and Albert Serra’s “Sixteen Moments of My Life” stand out amongst the feature films, whilst among the short films there is great anticipation for F.J. Ossang’s “Tomb of Dreams”.

The ‘Histoire(s) du Cinéma’ section is packed with highlights, kicking off with a film concert featuring the masterpiece *The General* by Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman – a film which is celebrating its centenary this year.

Alongside various tributes – including those to Roger Corman and Isao Takahata – there will also be a number of awards, which will go (among others) to Isabella Rossellini, Rick Baker, Asia Argento and Virginie Efira: the latter’s film, Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s powerful “All of a Sudden”, will be screened – another of the most significant titles in this year’s Cannes competition.

Finally, it is worth noting that the Pardo d’onore will be awarded to Darren Aronofsky, one of the most controversial directors in contemporary cinema: at Locarno, audiences will have the chance to see “Mother!” and “The Fountain” once again, two of his most talked-about and divisive films of all time.

Locarno Film Festival, 5–15 August