The parallel section of the Venice International Film Festival, Giornate degli Autori (GdA), has announced its lineup for the 2026 edition, presenting a robust and decidedly female-focused slate. This year’s selection, curated from an impressive 1,036 submissions hailing from 114 countries, will feature 25 world premieres, underscoring the section’s commitment to emerging cinematic voices and established auteurs alike. Notably, 14 of the selected films are directed by women, a significant representation that highlights a conscious effort by the GdA to amplify female perspectives within the global film landscape.
The 23rd edition of Giornate degli Autori, set to run concurrently with the main Venice Film Festival in September, will open with Hungarian director Lili Horvát’s highly anticipated English-language debut, My Notes on Mars. This science fiction romance stars Mackenzie Davis as a scientist who mysteriously disappears during a hiking expedition, only to resurface on the very day of her memorial service with no recollection of the intervening period. Rupert Friend co-stars in the film, which promises to explore themes of memory, identity, and the unknown. Horvát previously garnered critical acclaim and a Golden Hugo at Chicago’s Film Festival for her 2020 GdA selection, Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time, a psychological drama about a surgeon whose life unravels when the man she believes she loves claims never to have met her. This prior success positions My Notes on Mars as a significant draw for cinephiles anticipating Horvát’s continued exploration of complex human relationships.
The section will close with Léa Domenach’s A Man’s Skin, a bold and innovative queer and feminist musical comedy set against the backdrop of the Italian Renaissance. Featuring a star-studded cast including Pomme, Karin Viard, and the iconic Catherine Deneuve, the film is poised to offer a vibrant and unconventional conclusion to the GdA’s cinematic offerings.
Of the 25 world premieres, 10 films will vie for top honors in the competition section. Alongside My Notes on Mars, other compelling entries include Kuba Dorabialski’s Agata the Writer. This Australian production, featuring Mia Wasikowska, follows an Australian author journeying to Sarajevo to research a novel about the Bosnian War. The narrative promises a profound examination of artistic intent and the ethical complexities of representing trauma.
Another significant competition entry is Nathalia Acevedo’s directorial debut, Salón de Belleza. Acevedo, known for her role in Post Tenebras Lux, adapts Mario Bellatin’s radical novel, unfolding within a beauty salon in a city devastated by an enigmatic epidemic. The salon becomes a sanctuary for the afflicted, blurring the lines between life and death. The film features performances by Belgian multi-disciplinary artist Sam Louwyck and Erwan Kepoa Falé.
The competition lineup also features established directorial talent. Robert Guédiguian, a filmmaker renowned for his social dramas, presents A Woman Today. This film stars newcomer Marilou Aussilloux as a young woman navigating the chasm between her aspirations for freedom and the persistent realities of violence and inequality in contemporary society. Guédiguian’s long-standing collaborators, Ariane Ascaride, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, and Gérard Meylan, lend their considerable talents to the project.
A Tribute to a Visionary Leader
This year’s Giornate degli Autori holds particular poignancy as it is dedicated to the memory of its founder and longtime champion, film critic and festival executive Giorgio Gosetti, who passed away unexpectedly in March. Gosetti was instrumental in establishing GdA as a vital platform for independent cinema, fostering a unique community of filmmakers and audiences.
Artistic Director Gaia Furrer articulated the profound sense of loss and gratitude that permeates this edition. "This edition carries with it a deep void and a deep gratitude," Furrer stated. "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." Gosetti’s vision for a space that celebrated daring and innovative filmmaking has clearly left an indelible mark on the section.
Unveiling the Full Slate
The official selection for the 23rd Giornate degli Autori is as follows:
In Competition:
- 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)
Out of Competition:
- MAN’S SKIN – closing film by Léa Domenach (France, 2026)
Special Events:
- AL BARANEYA by Ashgan El-Hamus (Netherlands, Egypt, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, 2026)
- CARLA LONZI, A FEMINIST STORY by Francesca Archibugi (Italy, 2026)
- 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)
Beyond the competition, the GdA will host a showcase of nine titles in its "Venetian Nights" sidebar, offering further opportunities to discover emerging talent and diverse cinematic narratives. This broader selection reinforces the section’s commitment to a wide spectrum of independent filmmaking.
Context and Significance
The Venice International Film Festival, a venerable institution dating back to 1932, serves as a crucial barometer for the global film industry. Its parallel sections, such as Giornate degli Autori, provide essential platforms for films that may not fit the mold of mainstream commercial cinema, focusing instead on artistic innovation, social relevance, and directorial vision. Giornate degli Autori, established in 2004, has carved out a distinct identity as a haven for auteur-driven cinema, often championing first-time filmmakers and adventurous storytelling.
The pronounced emphasis on female directors in the 2026 lineup is a significant development, aligning with broader industry trends and calls for greater gender parity in filmmaking. According to various industry reports, while progress has been made, women remain underrepresented in directorial roles, particularly in high-budget productions. The GdA’s selection not only highlights these talented women but also signals a potential shift in how cinematic narratives are being conceived and presented on a global scale. This curated lineup suggests a growing confidence in female-led stories and a desire to explore a wider range of human experiences through the cinematic lens.
The inclusion of films from a diverse geographical spread, from Nigeria and Mexico to Hungary and Australia, further underscores the GdA’s global outlook. This international representation is vital for fostering cross-cultural understanding and exposing audiences to different perspectives and cinematic traditions. The section’s commitment to world premieres ensures that Venice remains a vital launchpad for new films, offering audiences and industry professionals alike the first glimpse of significant cinematic works.
The dedication to Giorgio Gosetti adds a layer of emotional resonance to the festival. His passing leaves a void in the independent film community, but his legacy lives on through the continued dedication of the GdA to its core principles. Artistic Director Gaia Furrer’s poignant remarks emphasize the enduring spirit of discovery and passion that Gosetti instilled in the section. His belief in nurturing new talent and fostering a supportive community has clearly shaped the GdA’s identity, and this year’s programming is a testament to his vision.
Broader Implications for the Film Industry
The female-centric focus of the 2026 Giornate degli Autori has several implications for the broader film industry. Firstly, it serves as a powerful statement of intent, demonstrating that a respected film festival can prioritize and successfully curate a diverse and compelling lineup that is driven by female talent. This can inspire other festivals and industry bodies to re-evaluate their own programming and diversity initiatives.
Secondly, by providing a prominent platform for these films, the GdA increases their visibility and potential for distribution and critical acclaim. This can lead to greater opportunities for the participating filmmakers, both established and emerging, and can help to dismantle existing barriers within the industry. The success of films like My Notes on Mars and A Man’s Skin could pave the way for more female-directed projects to secure funding and reach wider audiences.
Furthermore, the diverse range of genres and themes presented—from sci-fi romance and musical comedies to intimate dramas and explorations of social issues—highlights the breadth of talent and creativity present among female filmmakers. This challenges any lingering stereotypes about the types of stories women are best suited to tell and underscores their capacity to excel across all cinematic forms.
The strong representation of debut features also points to the GdA’s role in nurturing the next generation of cinematic storytellers. By providing a stage for these new voices, the section contributes to the ongoing evolution of cinema and ensures a vibrant future for independent filmmaking. The festival’s ability to attract submissions from 114 countries further solidifies its position as a global nexus for cinematic innovation and cultural exchange.
As the Venice Film Festival prepares for its 2026 edition, the Giornate degli Autori stands out with its bold, female-focused lineup, a testament to its commitment to artistic excellence, diversity, and the enduring legacy of its founder, Giorgio Gosetti. The selection promises a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience, reflecting the dynamic and evolving landscape of global cinema.
