Locarno's 79th Edition to Open with 'The Green Eyes' and Boasts 103 World Premieres

The Locarno Film Festival has announced the full lineup for its 79th edition, scheduled for August 5 to 15, 2026, according to both Deadline and Variety. The festival will open with the world premiere of Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh's "The Green Eyes" on the Piazza Grande, Deadline reported. In total, the lineup includes 103 world premieres across all sections, Variety noted.

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DeadlineLocarno Film Festival Announces 79th Edition Lineup with Hong Sang-soo, Denis Côté in CompetitionVarietyLocarno Film Festival 79th Edition Lineup Announced with 103 World Premieres

Among the highlights of the main International Competition are new films by acclaimed directors Hong Sang-soo, Denis Côté, Basil Da Cunha, and Gurvinder Singh, as reported by Deadline. The competition also features a film starring Caleb Landry Jones and a project from Singaporean filmmaker Nelson Yeo, titled "The House on the Moon," according to Variety. Monica Bellucci appears in another competition entry, though specific details of her role were not disclosed.

Artistic Director Giona A. Nazzaro described the selection as "adventurous and full of surprises," according to Variety. This characterization points to a festival that continues to champion bold, unconventional cinema against the scenic backdrop of the Swiss lakeside town.

Deadline also noted that the festival will take place at its traditional venues along Lake Maggiore, with the Piazza Grande serving as the centerpiece for outdoor screenings. The 79th edition promises a mix of established auteurs and emerging voices, reflecting Locarno's longstanding commitment to discovering new talent while honoring veteran filmmakers.