Venice Days Unveils a Vibrant and Diverse Lineup for its 23rd Edition, Honoring the Legacy of Giorgio Gosetti

Venice Days, the esteemed independent sidebar of the Venice International Film Festival, has revealed its carefully curated lineup for its 23rd edition, marking the first iteration since the passing of its visionary founder and long-time head, Giorgio Gosetti, in March. Running concurrently with the 83rd Venice International Film Festival from September 2nd to 12th, this year’s Venice Days is dedicated to his indelible memory and the vibrant cinematic spirit he fostered. The program boasts a robust selection of 25 world premieres, with a significant emphasis on female directorial talent, as 14 of these films are helmed by women, representing over half of the total premieres. This strong contingent underscores a growing trend of increased representation and recognition for women in filmmaking on the international festival circuit.

The festival’s opening night for Venice Days will feature the premiere of "My Notes on Mars," the English-language debut from acclaimed Hungarian director Lili Horvát. Known for her previous work, "Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time," Horvát’s latest offering delves into a compelling mystery starring Mackenzie Davis and Rupert Friend. The narrative centers on a young scientist who inexplicably vanishes, only to reappear weeks later at her own memorial service, devoid of any memory of her disappearance. This intriguing premise immediately positions "My Notes on Mars" as a significant draw, hinting at themes of identity, memory, and the uncanny.

A Global Panorama of Cinematic Voices

The competitive slate for Venice Days is rich with international perspectives, offering a platform for emerging and established filmmakers alike. Kuba Dorabialski’s "Agata the Writer" will screen in competition, featuring Mia Wasikowska as an Australian author navigating the complexities of Sarajevo. The period drama "The Indies," directed by Pauline Julier and Nicolas Chapoulier, promises a historical immersion, while the hybrid fiction-documentary "I Plant My Garden" by Boris Hadži­ja and Hoda Taheri explores innovative storytelling techniques. Nicola Sorcinelli’s debut feature, "Balcanica," stands as the sole Italian entry in competition. This poignant film tells the story of an Afghan father and son who attempt to flee to Europe after music is banned in their homeland, offering a timely and powerful narrative of displacement and resilience.

Highlighting Diverse Narratives and Social Commentary

Beyond the core competition, Venice Days is set to showcase a range of compelling films that address contemporary issues and diverse human experiences. Marí­a Aparicio’s "Sadness Sometimes, Other Times Revolt" presents a drama focused on two Argentines in Madrid, exploring themes of cultural displacement and personal connection. Mykyta Gibalenko’s debut, "Camouflage," is a timely piece about a young Ukrainian in Germany whose sense of home is profoundly impacted by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The film’s inclusion highlights the festival’s commitment to engaging with urgent global events through cinematic storytelling. Furthermore, Damilola Orimogunje’s family melodrama, "Dear Ajayi," marks a historic moment as it becomes the first Nigerian film to screen in Venice Days competition, signifying a growing recognition of African cinema on the international stage.

The closing film of Venice Days, screening out of competition, is Léa Domenach’s "Man’s Skin." This vibrant queer feminist musical comedy is set against the backdrop of the Italian Renaissance and boasts the legendary Catherine Deneuve in its cast. The film’s unique premise and star power suggest a delightful and thought-provoking conclusion to the sidebar’s cinematic offerings.

A Tribute to Visionary Leadership and Future Directions

The passing of Giorgio Gosetti in March sent ripples through the independent film community. Gosetti was instrumental in establishing Venice Days as a vital platform for daring and independent cinema, fostering a space where new voices could emerge and established artists could experiment. His tenure was marked by a keen eye for talent and a deep commitment to the artistic integrity of filmmaking. The dedication of this year’s edition to his memory serves as a poignant tribute to his significant contributions.

The Jury and Awards: Recognizing Excellence

Presiding over the GdA Director’s Award is an all-woman jury, reflecting the sidebar’s commitment to gender parity in film criticism and appreciation. The jury is headed by the acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Carla Simón, renowned for her award-winning films "Alcarràs" and "Summer 1993." She will be joined by Italian director Sara Fgaier, whose work includes "Weightless," and Hania Mroué, the director of Beirut’s Metropolis Cinema. The GdA Director’s Award carries a substantial cash prize of €20,000 (approximately $23,000), to be divided between the director and the film’s international distributor, providing crucial support for emerging talent. In addition to the jury’s decision, the festival will also honor the audience’s choice with an Audience Award, and the Europa Cinemas jury will present the Europa Cinemas Label to a European film within the lineup, further promoting the distribution and exhibition of European cinema.

Venice Nights: A Celebration of Italian Cinema

Complementing Venice Days is Venice Nights, the sidebar’s dedicated program for Italian cinema. Roberta Torre’s "Scarpe rotte" will inaugurate this section. Starring Barbara Ronchi, the film is inspired by the life of Natalia Ginzburg and is set in Rome during wartime, promising a compelling exploration of history and personal narrative. The Venice Nights program further underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing the breadth and depth of Italian filmmaking talent.

Miu Miu Women’s Tales: Fashion Meets Cinema

The celebrated Miu Miu Women’s Tales, a series of short films commissioned by the fashion brand Miu Miu, returns to Venice Days. This year features "Discipline," a new short from Norwegian director Mona Fastvold, known for "The Testament of Ann Lee." Additionally, French auteur Claire Denis, celebrated for films like "Beau Travail," presents "Avec Kim," starring Suzanne Lindon and Kim Gordon. This collaboration continues to highlight the intersection of fashion, art, and cinema, offering unique perspectives and artistic visions in the short film format.

A Multifaceted Festival Experience

Beyond the film screenings, Venice Days 2026 will offer a comprehensive program of talks, industry events, and public forums at the Casa degli Autori and Sala Laguna. These events aim to foster dialogue and collaboration within the film community. Highlights include the return of #confronti, the fourth edition of the Declaration of Filmmakers, a dedicated soundtracks event organized in partnership with ACMF, and the second edition of Africa Chiama. A new collaboration with Venezia CULT will bring renowned cartoonists Leo Ortolani and Dave McKean to the Lido, broadening the festival’s artistic scope.

Broader Context and Implications

The Venice Days program, with its emphasis on independent cinema and its dedication to Giorgio Gosetti, serves as a crucial barometer for the health and direction of global independent filmmaking. The significant representation of women directors this year is not merely a statistical anomaly but reflects a broader, ongoing shift in the industry, driven by a conscious effort to address historical imbalances and amplify diverse voices. The inclusion of films addressing contemporary geopolitical events, such as "Camouflage," demonstrates the power of cinema to engage with and reflect the pressing issues of our time.

The festival’s commitment to supporting emerging talent through awards like the GdA Director’s Award and the Europa Cinemas Label is vital for the sustainability of independent cinema. These initiatives provide not only financial backing but also critical exposure and distribution opportunities, helping these films reach wider audiences. The continued partnership with Miu Miu Women’s Tales also points to the growing interest from other industries in supporting artistic endeavors, recognizing the value of film as a medium for cultural expression and innovation.

The Venice International Film Festival itself, as one of the "Big Three" major film festivals alongside Cannes and Berlin, provides a prestigious platform for these independent works. The Venice Days sidebar, in particular, offers a sanctuary for films that might not fit the mold of mainstream commercial cinema but possess significant artistic merit and cultural relevance. The festival’s ability to balance these independent offerings with its main competition program ensures a rich and varied cinematic experience for both industry professionals and the public.

As the film world anticipates the main competition lineup of the Venice International Film Festival, the unveiling of the Venice Days program offers a compelling preview of the diverse, challenging, and artistically significant cinema that will grace the Lido. This year’s edition, steeped in the memory of Giorgio Gosetti and infused with the energy of new talent and fresh perspectives, promises to be a memorable and impactful celebration of independent filmmaking. The festival’s ability to curate such a robust and forward-looking program solidifies its position as a vital hub for cinematic discovery and discourse.

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)