Venice Days, the esteemed independent sidebar of the Venice International Film Festival, has announced its curated lineup for its 23rd edition, marking a poignant first since the passing of its visionary founder and longtime head, Giorgio Gosetti, in March. This year’s iteration, scheduled to run from September 2nd to September 12th, concurrently with the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, is dedicated to Gosetti’s enduring legacy and his profound contributions to independent cinema. The program promises a vibrant showcase of 25 world premieres, with a significant emphasis on female directorial talent, as 14 of the presented films are helmed by women.
A Tribute to a Visionary: The Gosetti Legacy
The death of Giorgio Gosetti in March sent ripples through the international film community. As the driving force behind Venice Days since its inception, Gosetti was instrumental in establishing the sidebar as a vital platform for emerging filmmakers and bold cinematic voices that might otherwise be overlooked by mainstream programming. His passion for discovering new talent and championing diverse narratives cemented Venice Days as a crucial counterpoint to the festival’s more established sections. This year’s dedication is not merely a formality but a genuine recognition of his unwavering commitment to fostering a more inclusive and dynamic film landscape. The selection of films, with its notable representation of women directors, can be seen as a continuation of Gosetti’s forward-thinking vision.
Opening the Festival: "My Notes on Mars" Sets the Tone
The 23rd edition of Venice Days will be inaugurated by Lili Horvát’s English-language debut, "My Notes on Mars." This highly anticipated film, screening in competition, hails from the acclaimed Hungarian director behind "Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time." Starring Mackenzie Davis and Rupert Friend, the narrative centers on a young scientist whose mysterious disappearance is followed by her reappearance at her own memorial service, with no recollection of the intervening weeks. The premise itself hints at themes of memory, identity, and the unknown, resonating with the spirit of exploration that Venice Days often embodies. Horvát’s previous work has been lauded for its psychological depth and distinctive visual style, suggesting that "My Notes on Mars" will be a compelling and thought-provoking opener.
A Rich Tapestry of Competition Films
The competition section of Venice Days presents a compelling array of international cinema, reflecting a global panorama of storytelling. Among the notable entries is Kuba Dorabialski’s "Agata the Writer," featuring Mia Wasikowska as an Australian author navigating the complexities of Sarajevo. This selection underscores the festival’s commitment to exploring stories rooted in specific cultural and historical contexts.
Adding to the diversity of the competition are Pauline Julier and Nicolas Chapoulier’s period drama "The Indies," which delves into untold histories, and Boris Hadžija and Hoda Taheri’s innovative hybrid fiction-documentary, "I Plant My Hand in the Garden." This film’s genre-bending approach exemplifies Venice Days’ embrace of experimental filmmaking.
Representing Italy in the competition is Nicola Sorcinelli’s directorial debut, "Balcanica." This poignant film tells the story of an Afghan father and son seeking refuge in Europe after music is banned in their homeland. The inclusion of "Balcanica" highlights the ongoing global refugee crisis and the power of cinema to humanize these complex issues.
Spotlight on Emerging Voices and Global Perspectives
Beyond the opening film and the core competition entries, Venice Days continues its tradition of showcasing a broad spectrum of cinematic achievement. María Aparicio’s "Sadness Sometimes, Other Times Revolt" offers a drama focused on two Argentines residing in Madrid, exploring themes of displacement and cultural identity.
Mykyta Gibalenko’s debut feature, "Camouflage," provides a timely and relevant narrative about a young Ukrainian in Germany whose sense of home is profoundly impacted by Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. This film speaks to the current geopolitical realities and their human toll, demonstrating cinema’s capacity to process and reflect on contemporary events.
Adding another significant international voice, Damilola Orimogunje’s family melodrama "Dear Ajayi" makes history as the first Nigerian film to screen in Venice Days competition. This milestone underscores the sidebar’s dedication to broadening its geographical representation and providing a platform for African cinema.
Closing Night Extravaganza: "Man’s Skin"
The closing film of Venice Days will be Léa Domenach’s vibrant queer feminist musical comedy, "Man’s Skin." Set against the backdrop of the Italian Renaissance and featuring the iconic Catherine Deneuve, the film promises a visually rich and stylistically daring conclusion to the sidebar’s competitive program. Its screening out of competition allows it to serve as a celebratory flourish, showcasing a film that pushes creative boundaries without the pressure of competitive judgment.
The Jury and Awards: Recognizing Excellence
This year’s Venice Days will be overseen by a distinguished all-woman jury tasked with awarding the GdA Director’s Award. Leading the panel is acclaimed Spanish filmmaker Carla Simón, whose previous works "Alcarràs" and "Summer 1993" have garnered international critical acclaim. She will be joined by Italian director Sara Fgaier, known for her film "Weightless," and Hania Mroué, 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 the winning film’s global reach.
In addition to the GdA Director’s Award, the Lido audience will have the opportunity to cast their votes for the Audience Award, fostering direct engagement between filmmakers and viewers. Furthermore, the Europa Cinemas jury will select the Europa Cinemas Label from the European films featured in the lineup, recognizing outstanding European cinematic achievements and supporting their distribution across the continent.
Venice Nights: A Celebration of Italian Cinema
Complementing the international scope of Venice Days, the sidebar’s accompanying Italian cinema section, Venice Nights, will open with Roberta Torre’s "Scarpe rotte." Starring Barbara Ronchi, the film is inspired by the life of Natalia Ginzburg and is set in wartime Rome. This choice for the opening film of the Italian program signals a commitment to exploring significant figures and historical periods within Italian culture. Venice Nights will showcase a diverse range of Italian productions, including Francesco Clerici and Mattia Colombo’s "Anatomia di un ritratto," Giuseppe Schillaci’s "Auber 89," and Giovanna Giuliani’s "Domenica capitale – Genere domenicale." The program also includes Elisabetta Giannini’s "La leggenda del deserto," Beppe Tufarulo’s "Il mestiere," Riccardo Giacconi’s "Memoria del lampo," Federico Francioni and Samuele Sestieri’s "Si sveglia e sbadiglia, il gatto; poi l’amore," and Alessandra Lancellotti’s "Uno si distrae al bivio."
Miu Miu Women’s Tales Returns with New Shorts
The ongoing partnership between Venice Days and the fashion brand Miu Miu, through its celebrated "Women’s Tales" short film anthology series, continues with two new additions. Mona Fastvold, director of "The Testament of Ann Lee," presents her latest short, "Discipline." French auteur Claire Denis, renowned for her seminal work "Beau Travail," contributes "Avec Kim," starring Suzanne Lindon and Kim Gordon. The return of "Women’s Tales" highlights Miu Miu’s sustained commitment to supporting female filmmakers and fostering creative collaborations. These shorts, known for their artistic vision and often experimental nature, add another layer of contemporary artistry to the Venice Days program.
A Hub for Industry and Public Engagement
Beyond the film screenings, the 2026 Venice Days will serve as a vibrant hub for industry professionals and the public alike. The Casa degli Autori and Sala Laguna will host a series of talks, industry events, and public programs designed to foster dialogue and exchange. Key events include the return of #confronti, the fourth edition of the Declaration of Filmmakers, a dedicated soundtracks event organized in collaboration with ACMF, and the second edition of Africa Chiama. A new partnership with Venezia CULT will also bring renowned cartoonists Leo Ortolani and Dave McKean to the Lido, further expanding the cultural programming and engaging audiences with diverse artistic disciplines. These initiatives underscore Venice Days’ ambition to be more than just a film festival, but a comprehensive cultural gathering.
Context and Significance
The 23rd edition of Venice Days arrives at a time of significant transition for the festival and the broader film industry. The ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shape how films are produced, distributed, and experienced, with festivals playing an even more critical role in reintroducing audiences to the communal act of cinema-going. The increased representation of women directors in this year’s lineup is a particularly welcome development, reflecting a broader industry trend towards greater gender parity both in front of and behind the camera. While progress has been made, the Venice Days selection serves as a powerful reminder that sustained effort and dedicated platforms are still necessary to ensure diverse voices are heard.
The Venice International Film Festival itself, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious cinematic events, provides a grand stage for these independent selections. The festival, founded in 1932, has historically served as a launchpad for significant films and filmmakers, and Venice Days has consistently contributed to this legacy by championing films that often go on to achieve critical and commercial success. The main festival competition lineup is slated for announcement on Thursday, July 23rd, setting the stage for a comprehensive cinematic celebration on the Lido.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The programming choices for Venice Days this year suggest a strong emphasis on social relevance, personal introspection, and diverse cultural narratives. Films exploring themes of displacement, identity, and the impact of global events on individual lives indicate a desire to engage with the contemporary world in meaningful ways. The dedication to Giorgio Gosetti’s memory serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of independent vision and the enduring impact of individuals who champion cinematic art.
The success of films launched through Venice Days can have significant implications, not only for the filmmakers involved but also for the wider dissemination of diverse stories. The awards and critical attention garnered at such a prestigious festival can translate into increased distribution opportunities, festival invitations, and ultimately, a broader audience reach. As the film industry continues to evolve, platforms like Venice Days remain indispensable for nurturing innovation and ensuring that a wide spectrum of human experiences is reflected on screen. The upcoming edition promises to be a compelling testament to the vitality of independent cinema and a fitting tribute to the man who made it all possible.
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)
