Venice Days, the fiercely independent sidebar of the prestigious Venice International Film Festival, has announced its robust lineup for its 23rd edition, marking a significant chapter for the section. This year’s showcase, running concurrently with the 83rd Venice Film Festival from September 2nd to 12th, is particularly poignant as it is the first since the untimely passing of its visionary founder and longtime head, Giorgio Gosetti, in March. The entire edition is dedicated to his memory, a fitting tribute to a man who championed cinematic diversity and emerging talent.
The curated selection for this edition, which includes the parallel Italian cinema strand Venice Nights, presents a compelling array of 25 world premieres. A striking testament to the evolving landscape of filmmaking and the commitment of Venice Days to inclusivity, more than half of these premieres – precisely 14 – are helmed by women directors. This significant representation underscores a broader industry trend towards greater gender parity and a deliberate effort by festival programmers to amplify female perspectives.
A Global Tapestry of Stories: Opening and Competition Highlights
The festival will be inaugurated by the screening of Lili Horvát’s "My Notes on Mars," a Hungarian production that will also compete for the coveted awards. Horvát, known for her critically acclaimed "Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time," makes her English-language debut with this intriguing sci-fi drama. Starring Mackenzie Davis and Rupert Friend, the film delves into the enigmatic story of a young scientist who vanishes without a trace, only to reappear weeks later at her own memorial service, bereft of any memory of her disappearance. This premise immediately signals a thematic exploration of identity, memory, and the unknown, themes often explored in independent cinema.
The competitive slate is further enriched by a diverse range of international voices. Kuba Dorabialski’s "Agata the Writer" features Mia Wasikowska as an Australian author navigating the complexities of Sarajevo. Pauline Julier and Nicolas Chapoulier’s period drama, "The Indies," promises a journey into historical narratives. The hybrid fiction-documentary "I Plant My Hand in the Garden," by Boris Hadžija and Hoda Taheri, suggests a unique blending of cinematic forms. Rounding out the Italian entries in competition is Nicola Sorcinelli’s debut, "Balcanica." This powerful narrative focuses on an Afghan father and son forced to flee their homeland after music is banned, their journey to Europe fraught with peril and the yearning for artistic freedom. The inclusion of "Balcanica" highlights the ongoing global refugee crisis and its human impact, a theme that resonates deeply in contemporary cinema.
Spotlight on Emerging Talents and Topical Narratives
Beyond the competition films, Venice Days is set to showcase a number of other significant works. María Aparicio’s "Sadness Sometimes, Other Times Revolt" offers a dramatic lens on the experiences of two Argentinians in Madrid, exploring themes of displacement and cultural adaptation. Mykyta Gibalenko’s debut, "Camouflage," presents a poignant story of a young Ukrainian man in Germany whose sense of separation from his homeland is profoundly impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This film directly addresses the immediate geopolitical realities shaping the lives of countless individuals. Damilola Orimogunje’s family melodrama, "Dear Ajayi," marks a historic moment as it will be the first Nigerian film to screen in the Venice Days competition, further broadening the festival’s geographical and cultural reach.
The section will conclude with Léo Domenach’s "Man’s Skin," a vibrant queer feminist musical comedy set against the backdrop of the Italian Renaissance. The film boasts a notable performance from the iconic Catherine Deneuve and will screen out of competition, offering a celebratory and visually rich end to the main program.
A Tribute to Gosetti’s Vision: Structure and Awards
Giorgio Gosetti, who helmed Venice Days from its inception in 2000 until his passing, was instrumental in establishing it as a vital platform for independent cinema, a space where bold artistic visions could flourish away from the commercial pressures of the main festival circuit. His legacy is one of championing new voices and fostering a spirit of discovery. The dedication of this year’s edition to his memory is a deeply felt acknowledgment of his indelible contribution to the film world.
The GdA Director’s Award, a significant prize aimed at supporting emerging directors and their international distributors, will be adjudicated by an all-female jury. Presiding over the jury is acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Carla Simón, celebrated for her award-winning films "Alcarràs" and "Summer 1993." She will be joined by Italian director Sara Fgaier and Hania Mroué, the director of Beirut’s Metropolis Cinema. The GdA Director’s Award comes with a substantial €20,000 cash prize, intended to be split between the director and their international distributor, thus providing crucial financial impetus for films to reach wider audiences.
Adding to the audience engagement, the Lido viewers will have the opportunity to cast their votes for the Audience Award, reflecting the direct connection between filmmakers and their public. Furthermore, the Europa Cinemas jury will select the Europa Cinemas Label from the European films presented in the lineup, a distinction that often leads to increased distribution opportunities within the European cinema network.
Venice Nights: A Celebration of Italian Cinema
The accompanying Venice Nights section, dedicated to showcasing contemporary Italian cinema, will open with Roberta Torre’s "Scarpe rotte." Starring Barbara Ronchi, the film is loosely inspired by the life of the renowned writer Natalia Ginzburg and is set against the tumultuous backdrop of wartime Rome. This selection highlights Italy’s rich cinematic heritage and its continued contribution to global filmmaking.
Miu Miu Women’s Tales Returns with Short Film Powerhouses
The celebrated Miu Miu Women’s Tales, a series of short films commissioned by the fashion brand, makes its return to Venice Days. This year’s contributions include "Discipline," a new short from Norwegian director Mona Fastvold, known for her evocative work. Alongside it, French auteur Claire Denis, celebrated for masterpieces like "Beau Travail," presents "Avec Kim," starring Suzanne Lindon and the iconic musician Kim Gordon. These shorts offer concise yet powerful explorations of diverse themes and cinematic styles.
Beyond Screenings: Industry and Cultural Exchange
The 2026 Venice Days program extends beyond film screenings to encompass a dynamic range of talks, industry events, and public programs hosted at the Casa degli Autori and Sala Laguna. These include the return of #confronti, a platform for dialogue and debate, the fourth edition of the Declaration of Filmmakers, which provides a space for cinematic manifestos, and a specialized event dedicated to film scores organized in collaboration with ACMF. The second edition of Africa Chiama will continue to foster connections and explore African cinema, while a new partnership with Venezia CULT will bring renowned cartoonists Leo Ortolani and Dave McKean to the Lido, enriching the cultural dialogue.
The Venice Film Festival’s main competition lineup is slated for announcement on Thursday, July 23rd, promising further anticipation for film enthusiasts worldwide.
The Full 2026 Venice Days Lineup:
IN COMPETITION
- Sadness Sometimes, Other Times Revolt, dir: María Aparicio (Argentina, Spain)
- Agata the Writer, dir: Kuba Dorabialski (Australia)
- Balcanica, dir: Nicola Sorcinelli (Italy, Serbia, Croatia)
- Camouflage, dir: Mykyta Gibalenko (Germany)
- Dear Ajayi, dir: Damilola Orimogunje (Nigeria, Germany)
- I Plant My Hand in the Garden, dirs.: Boris Hadžija, Hoda Taheri (Germany, Serbia, USA)
- The Indies, dirs.: Pauline Julier, Nicolas Chapoulier (Switzerland, Spain)
- My Notes on Mars, dir: Lili Horvát (Hungary, Austria)
- Salón de Belleza, dir: Nathalia Acevedo (Mexico, France)
- A Woman Today, dir: Robert Guédiguian (France, Italy)
OUT OF COMPETITION
- Man’s Skin, dir: Léa Domenach (France) – Closing Film
SPECIAL EVENTS
- Al Baraneya, dir: Ashgan El-Hamus (Netherlands, Egypt, Belgium, Saudi Arabia)
- Carla Lonzi, A Feminist Story, dir: Francesca Archibugi (Italy)
- The Phantom, dirs.: Ignacio Masllorens, David Lamelas (Argentina)
- The Massacre, dir: Cosimo Messeri (Italy)
- Even If Hell Came, dir: Samuele Rossi (Italy)
VENICE NIGHTS
- Anatomia di un ritratto, dirs.: Francesco Clerici, Mattia Colombo (Italy, Switzerland)
- Auber 89, dir: Giuseppe Schillaci (France, Italy)
- Domenica capitale – Genere domenicale, dir: Giovanna Giuliani (Italy)
- La leggenda del deserto, dir: Elisabetta Giannini (Italy)
- Memoria del lampo, dir: Riccardo Giacconi (Italy)
- Il mestiere, dir: Beppe Tufarulo (Italy, Belgium, France)
- Scarpe rotte, dir: Roberta Torre (Italy) – Opening Film
- Si sveglia e sbadiglia, il gatto; poi l’amore, dirs.: Federico Francioni, Samuele Sestieri (Italy)
- Uno si distrae al bivio, dir: Alessandra Lancellotti (Italy)
