Locarno Film Festival 2026 Action Recap

Locarno is more than just a film festival; it is an immersive cinematic pilgrimage, set amid the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps. For those who seek the intersection of high art and stunning scenery, the journey—involving trans-Atlantic flights, train rides, and bracing for the unique climate of the Italian border—is part of the adventure. Yet, when the festival unfolds, the reward is a dazzling display of cinematic genius, drawing crowds to the Piazza Grande to witness the magic unfold.

This year’s edition, running from August 5 to 15, was particularly rich, brimming with experimental works, stunning restorations, and a retrospective program that thoughtfully placed landmark films like HUAC and The Blacklist into their proper filmic context. It truly proved that Locarno is a vital incubator for cinematic discovery.

A savvy visitor knows the art of timing. While some flock to the main schedule, arriving in the second half allows for a unique, patient viewing experience. You catch up on the recent premieres while still having time to delve into the classics playing at the historic GranRex cinema, often offering a more relaxed and profound appreciation of the work.

The festival provided an incredible mix of fresh voices and cinematic history. I spent time navigating the selection, engaging with sixteen new films alongside twelve exceptional restorations and retrospective titles. This dual approach allowed for a rich exploration of the medium.

Among the stars of the competition were truly stirring works. Highlights included Isabelle Stever’s queer wartime drama I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming, Hong Sang-soo’s melancholic treatise Nowhere to Lay My Eyes, Ann Oren’s sensorial fever dream Objet A, and Lê Bảo’s ambitious dreamscape Hearing, and Florin Șerban’s Golden Leopard-winning drama You Don’t Belong Here.

The festival’s sidebars were equally rewarding, showcasing culturally specific gems like Umair Bilal’s Pakistani experimental film As Light As Air> and Mamadou Dia’s Pan-African dance documentary Atcha Atcha>.

The most adventurous programming was found in the Concorso Cineasti del Presente, where groundbreaking ideas were put on display. Here, voices like Beatrice Gibson, Ana Vaz, and Uta Beria presented powerful conversations on feminism and free speech, along with daring experimental pieces such as Fire Flower> and Tear Gas>.

Adding to the excitement were major stars honored by the festival, including Olivia Wilde, Isabella Rosselini, and Virginie Efira. It was a pleasure to share the festival experience with figures like Rick Baker and his wife Silvia, a noted hairstylist.

The festival’s retrospective, Red & Black – Hollywood Left and the Blacklist>, produced in conjunction with Cinémathèque suisse and supported by UCLA Film & Television Archive, provided a masterful contextualization of a turbulent era. It powerfully illuminated the anti-art fascism that shaped Hollywood and demonstrated how history leaves indelible marks on the creative landscape.

Through this incredible exposure, the festival reaffirmed a fundamental truth about cinema: the future of film resides in discovery. Taking the leap to watch a film from a foreign country, from unfamiliar perspectives, and in a different tongue is how we find the most fertile ground for cinematic inspiration. Locarno once again revitalized the pursuit of those hidden gems, leaving a lasting joy and a hunger for more exploration.