Giornate degli Autori Unveils a Groundbreaking Female-Centric Lineup for its 2026 Venice Edition

The Venice Film Festival’s independent parallel section, Giornate degli Autori (GdA), has announced its much-anticipated 2026 lineup, revealing a distinctly female-focused program that underscores a commitment to diverse storytelling and emerging directorial voices. With a record-breaking 1,036 submissions from 114 countries, the curated selection features 25 world premieres, highlighting 14 films directed by women and 13 Italian productions. This year’s edition, running from September 2nd to September 12th, 2026, will host 10 films in competition for the GdA Director’s Award, one out-of-competition closing film, five special events, and a showcase of nine titles within the "Venetian Nights" section.

The 2026 edition is particularly poignant as it is dedicated to the memory of Giorgio Gosetti, the visionary founder and longtime champion of Giornate degli Autori, who passed away unexpectedly in March. His legacy of fostering new cinematic directions and building a vibrant community of filmmakers and audiences is at the heart of this year’s programming. Artistic Director Gaia Furrer articulated this sentiment, 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."

Opening Night: A Sci-Fi Romance with a Cosmic Twist

Hungarian director Lili Horvát’s first English-language feature, My Notes on Mars, will open the 2026 Giornate degli Autori. This science-fiction romance stars Mackenzie Davis as a scientist who mysteriously vanishes during a hiking expedition, only to reappear on the day of her own memorial service with no recollection of the intervening period of her life. Rupert Friend co-stars in this intriguing narrative that explores themes of memory, identity, and the unknown. Horvát’s previous film, Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time, also premiered at Giornate degli Autori in 2020 and garnered significant critical acclaim, including a Golden Hugo at Chicago’s New Directors Competition, signaling her continued strength in crafting compelling, thought-provoking cinema.

Closing Night: A Renaissance Musical with a Queer and Feminist Edge

The section will conclude with 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 notable cast, including French musical artist Pomme, alongside acclaimed actresses Karin Viard and Catherine Deneuve. This offering promises a unique blend of historical setting, contemporary themes, and artistic expression, further diversifying the section’s thematic scope.

The Competition Lineup: Diverse Voices and Bold Narratives

Ten films are vying for the prestigious GdA Director’s Award, a prize that includes a €20,000 cash award to be split between the director and their international distributor. This year’s competitive selection showcases a remarkable array of global talent and varied cinematic approaches.

Among the contenders is Kuba Dorabialski’s Agata the Writer. The film features Mia Wasikowska as an Australian writer who travels to Sarajevo to research a novel about the Bosnian War. The narrative delves into the complexities of artistic representation and the ethical considerations of bearing witness to historical trauma, forcing the protagonist to confront the limitations of her own artistic vision. Dorabialski, an Australian filmmaker of Polish descent, brings a unique perspective to the exploration of historical memory and cultural perspective.

Nathalia Acevedo, known for her role in Post Tenebras Lux, makes her directorial debut with Salón de Belleza. Adapted from Mario Bellatin’s radical novel, the film is set in a beauty salon within a city devastated by an unknown disease. The salon becomes a sanctuary for the afflicted, a liminal space where individuals linger between life and death. This evocative setting and thematic exploration offer a powerful commentary on resilience and the human condition in the face of existential threat. Sam Louwyck and Erwan Kepoa Falé co-star.

Established director Robert Guédiguian contributes A Woman Today, starring 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, a filmmaker celebrated for his socially conscious narratives, reunites with his longtime collaborators Ariane Ascaride, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, and Gérard Meylan, promising a deeply resonant and character-driven piece.

The full list of films in competition includes:

• 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 min)
• 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)

Special Events and Beyond Competition

Beyond the competitive section, Giornate degli Autori will present a diverse array of special events and out-of-competition screenings. A Man’s Skin by Léa Domenach will serve as the closing film.

The special events lineup includes:

• Al Baraneya by Ashgan El-Hamus (Netherlands, Egypt, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, 2026)
• Carla Lonzi, A Feminist Story by Francesca Archibugi (Italy, 2026) – A documentary exploring the life and legacy of the influential Italian feminist art critic.
• 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)

Furthermore, the "Venetian Nights" showcase will present nine additional titles, offering a broader panorama of contemporary cinema.

Jury and Awards: Recognizing Emerging and European Talent

The jury responsible for awarding the GdA Director’s Award is comprised of esteemed figures in the international film community. Spanish filmmaker Carla Simón, known for her critically acclaimed works such as Summer 1993 and Alcarràs, will preside over the jury. She is joined by Italian director and editor Sara Fgaier, and Hania Mroué, director of Beirut’s renowned Metropolis arthouse cinema. Their collective expertise promises a discerning evaluation of the competitive entries.

In addition to the main jury prize, two other awards will be presented. The Audience Award, decided by attendees at the Sala Perla screenings, will celebrate the film that resonates most with the festival-going public. The Europa Cinemas jury will select the winner of the Europa Cinemas Label, an award dedicated to European films screened within the Giornate degli Autori program, aiming to promote their distribution across the continent.

A Celebration of Female Filmmaking and Artistic Freedom

The 2026 Giornate degli Autori lineup represents a significant moment for female representation in cinema, with 14 films directed by women out of 25 world premieres. This emphasis aligns with a broader global trend towards increasing opportunities and visibility for women in filmmaking, a movement that has gained considerable momentum in recent years. The selection demonstrates a commitment not only to gender parity but also to showcasing a diverse range of perspectives and narrative styles that challenge conventional filmmaking norms.

The sheer volume of submissions—1,036 from 114 countries—underscores the enduring global appeal of the Venice Film Festival and the Giornate degli Autori’s reputation as a platform for innovative and independent cinema. The GdA’s consistent dedication to championing emerging talent and exploring unconventional cinematic territories has solidified its position as a vital component of the Venice Film Festival, offering audiences a space for discovery and critical engagement with the future of filmmaking.

The dedication to Giorgio Gosetti adds a layer of emotional resonance to the 2026 edition. His pioneering spirit and unwavering belief in the power of cinema to connect and inspire are palpable in the Artistic Director’s statement. The programming choices, with their emphasis on bold storytelling and diverse voices, are a direct testament to his enduring vision.

The 23rd edition of Giornate degli Autori promises to be a compelling and memorable event, celebrating the resilience of cinematic artistry, the power of diverse narratives, and the enduring legacy of a beloved film advocate. As the festival unfolds, it will undoubtedly offer a rich tapestry of cinematic experiences, fostering dialogue and celebrating the vibrant, ever-evolving landscape of international cinema.