Locarno 2026 Jury Presidents Announced: Du Welz Leads International, Ben Mahmoud Presides Over Emerging Directors Section

The Locarno Film Festival has unveiled the jury presidents and full panels for its 79th edition, set to run from August 5 to 15, 2026. Belgian filmmaker Fabrice Du Welz will preside over the Concorso Internazionale jury for the international competition, while Tunisian director Afef Ben Mahmoud will lead the Concorso Cineasti del Presente jury for emerging directors, as reported by Deadline.

DeadlineLocarno Film Festival Announces 2026 Competition Jury Presidents

Du Welz, who has directed nine features that have screened at major festivals, previously had two films shown at Locarno, according to Variety. He will be joined on the international competition jury by Italian producer Marco Alessi, French actress Lolita Chammah, Chilean actress Paulina García, and Olivier Père of ARTE France Cinéma, Deadline noted.

VarietyFabrice Du Welz to Lead International Competition Jury at 79th Locarno Film Festival

"Du Welz, who has made nine features that have screened at major festivals, previously had two films shown at Locarno."

Variety's report highlights Du Welz's festival pedigree, underscoring the festival's choice of a filmmaker with a long history in the international circuit. His selection brings a seasoned perspective to the competition jury for the 79th edition.

Ben Mahmoud, a Tunisian filmmaker, will head the Concorso Cineasti del Presente jury, which focuses on debut and emerging directors. Deadline reported this appointment without additional details on the jury members for that section, leaving the full roster for later announcement.

The festival's announcement rounds out the leadership for its 2026 competitive sections, with both juries set to evaluate works from around the world across the two main strands of Locarno's program.