Giornate degli Autori Unveils Ambitious 2026 Lineup, Championing Female Voices and Diverse Global Cinema
The Venice Film Festival’s independent sidebar, Giornate degli Autori (GdG), has announced its highly anticipated lineup for the 2026 edition, revealing a slate that prominently features female filmmakers and a rich tapestry of global cinematic voices. This year’s selection, culled from an impressive 1,036 submissions originating from 114 countries, underscores the section’s commitment to discovering and showcasing emerging talent and established auteurs alike. The 2026 edition, running concurrently with the prestigious Venice Film Festival in September, will celebrate its 23rd iteration and is dedicated to the memory of its founder and fervent champion, the late film critic and festival executive Giorgio Gosetti, who passed away unexpectedly in March.
A total of 25 world premieres are set to captivate audiences, with 13 of these hailing from Italy, reflecting a strong national presence alongside the international scope of the selection. Notably, 14 of the presented films are directed by women, a significant testament to GdG’s ongoing dedication to fostering gender parity and amplifying diverse perspectives within the cinematic landscape. The program comprises 10 films vying for honors in competition, one out-of-competition closing film, five special events, and a vibrant showcase of nine titles within the Venetian Nights sidebar.
Opening the 2026 edition is Hungarian director Lili Horvát’s first English-language feature, My Notes on Mars. This ambitious sci-fi romance stars Mackenzie Davis as a scientist whose abrupt disappearance during a hiking expedition leads to her reappearance on the very day of her memorial service, with no recollection of the intervening period. Rupert Friend joins the cast in a supporting role. Horvát previously garnered critical acclaim for her 2020 GdG entry, Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time, a compelling narrative about a talented surgeon who abandons her career for a man who subsequently denies ever meeting her. That film went on to achieve significant recognition, including winning the Golden Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival’s New Directors Competition. The inclusion of My Notes on Mars as the opening film signals GdG’s confidence in Horvát’s ability to deliver thought-provoking and visually striking cinema.
Concluding the section will be Léa Domenach’s A Man’s Skin, a vibrant queer and feminist musical comedy set against the backdrop of the Italian Renaissance. The film boasts a distinguished cast, featuring performances by Pomme, Karin Viard, and Catherine Deneuve, promising a unique and stylish cinematic experience.
Competition Highlights and Emerging Talents
Among the 10 films vying for recognition in the main competition, Lili Horvát’s My Notes on Mars stands out as a significant contender. The competition slate also introduces a compelling array of directorial debuts and works from established filmmakers.
Kuba Dorabialski, a Polish-born filmmaker based in Australia, presents Agata the Writer. The film stars Mia Wasikowska as an Australian writer who travels to Sarajevo to research a novel about the Bosnian War. Her journey becomes a profound confrontation with the limitations of her artistic perspective as she grapples with the complex realities of the conflict.
Another notable competition entry is Salón de Belleza, the directorial debut of Nathalia Acevedo, known for her role in Post Tenebras Lux. Adapted from Mario Bellatin’s provocative novel, the film is set in a beauty salon in a city ravaged by an enigmatic disease. The salon transforms into a sanctuary for the afflicted, existing in a liminal space between life and death. Belgian multi-disciplinary artist Sam Louwyck and Erwan Kepoa Falé are featured in the cast. This selection highlights GdG’s continued interest in bold literary adaptations and unconventional narratives.
The competition also features A Woman Today by acclaimed French director Robert Guédiguian. The film introduces newcomer Marilou Aussilloux as a young woman navigating the chasm between her ideals of freedom and the persistent realities of violence and inequality in contemporary society. Guédiguian, known for his socially conscious filmmaking, reunites with his long-time collaborators Ariane Ascaride, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, and Gérard Meylan, lending a familiar yet fresh perspective to the narrative.
Honoring a Visionary Legacy
The 23rd edition of Giornate degli Autori is profoundly marked by the passing of Giorgio Gosetti, the section’s founder and a tireless advocate for independent cinema. His sudden death in March has left a palpable void, but his enduring spirit and vision continue to inspire the current programming. Artistic Director Gaia Furrer articulated the profound impact of Gosetti’s absence, stating, “This edition carries with it a deep void and a deep gratitude. We owe to Giorgio the very idea for this free arena we inhabit, along with his faith in the new directions of cinema and his stubborn, loving determination to build and consolidate, year after year, a community of men and women filmmakers and audiences. This year, Giornate springs from the desire to honor this legacy by continuing to do what Giorgio taught us: seek out, discover, go wrong, become passionate about, and believe in cinema and in those who make it happen.” This sentiment underscores the section’s unwavering commitment to its foundational principles of artistic exploration and community building.
Gosetti, a prominent figure in Italian film criticism and festival organization, was instrumental in establishing Giornate degli Autori as a vital platform for auteur cinema. His tenure was characterized by a keen eye for emerging talent and a dedication to fostering a supportive environment for filmmakers. His passing is a significant loss to the international film community, and the dedication of this year’s edition serves as a poignant tribute to his immense contributions.
Supporting Data and Context
The sheer volume of submissions—1,036 from 114 countries—underscores the global appeal and significance of Giornate degli Autori as a platform for cinematic discovery. The statistic of 14 films directed by women in the lineup is particularly noteworthy. In a landscape where female representation in filmmaking continues to be a critical conversation, GdG’s deliberate focus offers a compelling counter-narrative and demonstrates a tangible commitment to rectifying historical imbalances. This proactive approach not only enriches the festival’s programming but also contributes to a more inclusive and representative global film industry.
The number of Italian productions—13 world premieres—highlights Italy’s continued strength in filmmaking and GdG’s role in championing national cinema on an international stage. The blend of established directors and debut features signifies a balanced approach, nurturing seasoned talent while simultaneously providing a crucial launchpad for the next generation of filmmakers.
Venetian Nights and Special Events
Beyond the competition, the Venetian Nights sidebar will present a curated selection of nine titles, offering audiences a diverse array of cinematic experiences. The "Special Events" section further expands the program with five distinct presentations. These include Al Baraneya by Ashgan El-Hamus, a multi-national co-production involving the Netherlands, Egypt, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, and Carla Lonzi, a Feminist Story by Francesca Archibugi, a documentary exploring the legacy of the influential Italian feminist art critic. Other special presentations include The Phantom by Ignacio Masllorens and David Lamelas, The Massacre by Cosimo Messeri, and Even If Hell Came by Samuele Rossi. These curated events often delve into thematic explorations, biographical portraits, and experimental filmmaking, further broadening the scope of GdG’s offerings.
Broader Implications and Analysis
The programming choices for Giornate degli Autori 2026 carry significant implications for the film industry. By prioritizing female-directed films and a wide array of international productions, GdG actively contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding diversity and representation in cinema. This approach not only provides a platform for underrepresented voices but also challenges traditional industry norms and encourages a more nuanced understanding of global storytelling.
The focus on debut features alongside established directors suggests a strategic effort to identify and nurture emerging talent. This is crucial for the long-term health and dynamism of the film industry, ensuring a continuous influx of fresh perspectives and innovative filmmaking. The dedication to Giorgio Gosetti’s legacy further solidifies GdG’s identity as a section deeply rooted in its foundational values, committed to artistic integrity and the spirit of discovery.
The selection also reflects a broader trend in international film festivals towards embracing more socially and politically relevant themes. Films addressing identity, inequality, and the human condition in challenging circumstances are increasingly finding prominent spaces, indicating a growing audience appetite for cinema that engages with contemporary issues. GdG’s commitment to showcasing such films positions it as a vital barometer of global cinematic trends and a significant contributor to cultural dialogue. The continued success and evolution of Giornate degli Autori, under the guidance of Artistic Director Gaia Furrer and in honor of Giorgio Gosetti, promise another compelling edition that will undoubtedly shape conversations and influence the trajectory of independent cinema in the years to come.
Official Selection: Full Program
IN COMPETITION
- SADNESS SOMETIMES, OTHER TIMES REVOLT
by María Aparicio
Argentina, Spain, 2026 - AGATA THE WRITER
by Kuba Dorabialski
Australia, 2026 - BALCANICA – debut feature
by Nicola Sorcinelli
Italy, Serbia, Croatia, 2026 - CAMOUFLAGE – debut feature
by Mykyta Gibalenko
Germany, 2026 - DEAR AJAYI
by Damilola Orimogunje
Nigeria, Germany, 2026, 120’ - I PLANT MY HAND IN THE GARDEN – debut feature
by Boris Hadžija & Hoda Taheri
Germany, Serbia, U.S. - The Indies – debut feature
by Pauline Julier, Nicolas Chapoulier
Switzerland, Spain, 2026 - MY NOTES ON MARS – opening film
by Lili Horvát
Hungary, Austria - SALÓN DE BELLEZA – debut feature
by Nathalia Acevedo
Mexico, France, 2026 - A WOMAN TODAY
by Robert Guédiguian
France, Italy, 2026
OUT OF COMPETITION
- MAN’S SKIN – closing film
by Léa Domenach
France, 2026
SPECIAL EVENTS
- AL BARANEYA
by Ashgan El-Hamus
Netherlands, Egypt, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, 2026 - CARLA LONZI, A FEMINIST STORY
by Francesca Archibugi
Italy, 2026 - THE PHANTOM
by Ignacio Masllorens, David Lamelas
Argentina, 2026 - THE MASSACRE
by Cosimo Messeri
Italy, 2026 - EVEN IF HELL CAME
by Samuele Rossi
Italy, 2026
