The Locarno International Film Festival has announced the programme for its 79th edition, running from 5 to 15 August 2026, headlined by new works from acclaimed auteurs including South Korea's Hong Sang-soo, Spain's Albert Serra and the United States' Vincent Grashaw. The reveal matters as Locarno is one of Europe's most prominent showcases for independent and arthouse cinema, and its selection signals which international filmmakers and titles are likely to feature prominently across the coming festival season.

Hong Sang-soo, a former Golden Leopard winner, and Singapore's Nelson Yeo appear in the international competition, while Serra takes an out-of-competition slot. Other selected directors include Erin Vassilopoulos, Mamadou Dia, Edgar Pêra, Denis Côté and Wayne Wapeemukwa. The open-air Piazza Grande section, seating 8,000, will host world premieres such as Marc Fitoussi's "Ni Vue, Ni Connue" starring Isabelle Huppert and Diane Kruger. In total the festival will screen 223 films, including 103 world premieres, drawn from up to 69 countries, from a record 7,759 submissions; 25 per cent of the features were directed by women. Artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro described it as an adventurous selection engaging with the challenges of the present.