79th Locarno Film Festival Locarno 2026: Strong women and a trip into the past

The Locarno Film Festival, set to take place in 2026, has unveiled its lineup, highlighting a focus on female filmmakers and a deep dive into Hollywood’s past. The festival will feature films directed by prominent women, including Swiss director Petra Volpe with her debut English-language film, Frank & Louis, a prison drama co-produced by SRF. Additionally, the event will include retrospectives exploring Hollywood’s infamous “Blacklist” era during the Cold War. The competition section of the festival includes a modest representation of women, with only four of 17 entries directed by female filmmakers. However, the main program on the Piazza Grande will showcase major roles for actresses such as Isabella Rossellini, who stars in Conclave; Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña in Emilia Pérez; and Asia Argento, a key figure in the #MeToo movement, in xXx. These performances are expected to draw significant attention and acclaim. Petra Volpe’s Frank & Louis centers on a man sentenced to prison for murder who cares for another inmate suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This marks Volpe’s first English-language project and is part of a broader effort by the festival to highlight international collaboration and diverse storytelling. Meanwhile, American actress and director Olivia Wilde presents her romantic comedy The Invite, starring Seth Rogen, Edward Norton, and Penélope Cruz. The film is based on the Spanish movie Sentimental (2020), which was previously remade in Switzerland under the title Die Nachbarn von oben in 2023. The festival will conclude with a special screening of Ni vu, ni connu, featuring French superstar Isabelle Huppert in the role of an aspiring actress navigating the film industry. The film explores themes of obscurity and ambition within the cinematic world. Another notable highlight is the restoration of Kevin Costner’s classic Dances With Wolves, presented in a newly restored 4K version. This extended edition, rarely shown in cinemas since its release in 1991, promises to offer deeper emotional resonance according to Giona Nazzaro, the artistic director of the festival. A significant portion of the festival will be dedicated to the retrospective Red & Black, Hollywood Left and the Blacklist, examining the period known as the “Red Scare.” Beginning in 1947, this era saw conservative forces accuse Hollywood of being infiltrated by communists, leading to widespread fear and persecution. Many filmmakers were blacklisted, forced to work under pseudonyms, or fled abroad. Among the works featured are those by directors and actors such as John Garfield, Dalton Trumbo, Dorothy Parker, and Charles Chaplin. A particular focus will be placed on Chaplin, whose 1952 film A King of New York, made in England after his U.S. entry ban, will be screened as part of the retrospective. Gavrik Losey, son of filmmaker Joseph Losey, will attend the festival in person, adding to the historical context of the event. The festival will also host several radio discussions as part of its cultural programming, including talks on Refresh für Der mit dem Wolf tanzt and Locarno Film Festival: Grosses Kino, gute Manieren?, offering insights into the films and their relevance to contemporary cinema. The festival aims to bridge the gap between past and present, showcasing both new talent and revisiting pivotal moments in film history. With a blend of modern narratives and historical reflections, the 2026 Locarno Film Festival seeks to engage audiences through a multifaceted exploration of cinema’s evolution.