The 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival, scheduled from August 5-15, 2026, is set to captivate audiences with an exceptionally diverse program focused on the lives of both celebrated and controversial figures. This year’s lineup showcases an array of cinematic explorations into the narratives of in/famous people, ranging from an American former prison inmate to a prominent German actress and a legendary Italian director, underscoring the festival’s commitment to profound human stories that resonate across history and culture.
The festival, renowned for its discerning curation, continues its tradition of presenting thought-provoking cinema that delves deep into the human condition. From meticulously researched documentaries and intimate essay films to compelling fiction features, the selections highlight individuals whose lives, for better or worse, have left an indelible mark on public consciousness or artistic legacy. This thematic thread runs through multiple sections, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with history, artistry, and complex personal journeys through the lens of acclaimed filmmakers.
Exploring Notoriety and Artistic Legacies
The allure of notorious or celebrated individuals as subjects for film remains a powerful draw, reflecting a universal fascination with lives lived on the fringes or at the zenith of public attention. Locarno 2026 embraces this fascination by presenting a mosaic of biographical and historical films. These cinematic portraits explore the varied impacts of fame, infamy, and the quiet dedication behind significant contributions to art and society, solidifying the festival’s role as a premier platform for challenging and diverse storytelling.
Festival director Giona A. Nazzaro emphasized the richness of this year’s program, noting the deliberate choice to highlight stories that prompt reflection on public perception and personal truth. The curated selections transcend conventional biographical approaches, instead opting for innovative narrative structures and unique perspectives that challenge viewers to reconsider familiar figures and forgotten histories. This emphasis on diverse storytelling methods ensures that the Locarno films about (in)famous people are not merely recounts but profound cinematic experiences.
Albert Serra’s Vision of Ingrid Caven
Among the highly anticipated entries is "Sixteen Moments of My Life" (Seize Moments De Ma Vie) by Spain’s acclaimed director Albert Serra, featured in the Out of Competition section. Serra, known for his distinctive and often experimental approach to historical and biographical subjects—such as in "Afternoons of Solitude" and "Pacifiction"—turns his gaze to German actress and singer Ingrid Caven. Caven is widely recognized for her iconic roles in films directed by her former husband, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, including "Love Is Colder Than Death," "Why Does Herr R. Run Amok?," and "The American Soldier." More recently, she garnered attention for her performance as Miss Vendegast in Luca Guadagnino’s 2018 remake of "Suspiria."
Serra’s film is far from a conventional documentary; it is presented as a unique concert experience. The Locarno festival website teases the film as Ingrid Caven performing "16 moments from her life in a unique concert at the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in Paris." Nazzaro confirmed to THR that "It’s a live concert that Albert worked on with Ingrid," suggesting an intimate blend of performance art, musical biography, and a retrospective on a singular artistic career. This innovative format promises an immersive and deeply personal exploration of Caven’s life through her own artistic expression, offering a fresh perspective on one of European cinema’s enduring muses.
A Journey Through the U.S. Correctional System
Director Vincent Grashaw makes his return to Locarno with "Bruton," an Out of Competition feature that diverges sharply from his previous work. Last year, Grashaw was at the festival with the indigenous crime drama "Keep Quiet," starring Lou Diamond Phillips. This year, "Bruton" plunges into the gritty reality of the American criminal justice system through the true story of Bryan Bruton, who was sentenced to a decade in a Florida prison for what was termed an "unintended crime."
The film’s synopsis describes a "tragic accident" that propels Bruton into a "wild and unforgettable experience in the Florida prison system." Starring Theo Rossi, "Bruton" recounts the events of the early 2000s when Bruton was convicted of manslaughter following a fatal hit-and-run in Jacksonville, Florida. The narrative meticulously follows his journey through the labyrinthine correctional system. Beyond his incarceration, the film also chronicles Bruton’s post-release life, particularly his move to California and the creation of his popular YouTube series, "Bryan Bruton Crazy Prison Stories." This series gained notoriety for its candid and often shocking accounts of life inside Florida prisons, detailing how inmates procure and conceal contraband such as drugs, alcohol, and weapons, and even how they ingeniously modified their jail cells. "Bruton" offers a raw, unflinching look at justice, personal accountability, and the long-term impact of a single life-altering event.
A Master’s Life Through a Photographer’s Lens
"Marco Bellocchio: La porta della Realtà," directed by Fabio Lovino and screened Out of Competition, offers an intimate portrait of one of Italy’s most influential filmmakers. Lovino, who served as a set photographer for the legendary Italian writer-director Marco Bellocchio for over two decades, brings a uniquely personal perspective to this biographical documentary. Bellocchio, celebrated for his incisive critiques of Italian society in films like "The Traitor," "Kidnapped," and "Portobello," is a towering figure in European cinema.
Lovino’s film stems from a deep personal connection and a desire to share his experiences. "After 20 years of working with Marco Bellocchio, I felt the need to share what I experienced with him and give voice to the emotions and lessons I received," reads the film’s synopsis. This exclusive portrait combines interviews with unseen images from Bellocchio’s sets, offering viewers an unparalleled glimpse into the man and the artist. The film features insights from Bellocchio’s family, long-term collaborators, and prominent actors such as Pierfrancesco Favino and Fabrizio Gifuni, alongside fellow directors like Marco Tullio Giordana. This deep dive into the life of a master filmmaker is a testament to the enduring power of mentorship and the profound impact an artist can have on those around them.
Historical Ambiguity and Wartime Morality
Felix Randau’s fiction feature, "I Is Another," premiering in the prestigious Piazza Grande section, promises a gripping exploration of historical ambiguity set against the backdrop of post-World War II Europe. The film transports audiences to Fall 1952, where journalist Hedda and her husband confront Felix Kersten, the former massage therapist to infamous Nazi SS leader Heinrich Himmler, on a train. Kersten asserts he played a crucial role in saving thousands of concentration camp prisoners during the Nazi era. However, Hedda harbors deep suspicions, and what begins as a standard interview quickly devolves into a tense psychological cat-and-mouse game, questioning the very nature of truth and heroism amidst wartime atrocities.
The film boasts a star-studded European cast, with Claes Bang ("The Square," "Bad Sisters") as Kersten, Valerie Pachner ("Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore," "The Stories") as Hedda, and Susanne Wuest ("Goodnight Mommy") as Kersten’s wife. Randau’s director’s note succinctly captures the film’s thematic core: "Every story has three sides. Yours. Mine. And the truth…" This statement signals a nuanced, potentially unsettling examination of historical revisionism, moral compromise, and the elusive nature of truth. The film’s placement in Piazza Grande suggests its broad appeal and capacity to spark significant debate among festivalgoers.
Preserving Revolutionary and Artistic Voices
The Filmmakers of the Present Competition will feature "Revolutionaries Never Die" by Mohanad Yaqubi, a poignant cinematic letter celebrating the legacy of the late Lebanese filmmaker Jocelyne Saab. Saab was a pioneering figure known for her extensive documentation of Arab revolutions and struggles between 1973 and 1983, establishing herself as a vital voice in regional cinema. Yaqubi’s film originated from an invitation for collaboration he received from Saab just two months before her passing.
Unable to reply in life, Yaqubi transformed his response into a lyrical expedition through Saab’s life, political commitments, and artistic vision. The Locarno website highlights how the film traces "16 of her films documenting Arab revolutions and struggles," transforming the project into a profound tribute. Yaqubi reflects in his director’s statement on the "striking resonance between her historical depictions and our contemporary realities five decades later, when no answers can ever be given." "Revolutionaries Never Die" not only preserves Saab’s invaluable artistic and historical contributions but also serves as a critical reflection on the enduring cycles of revolution and the role of cinema in bearing witness.
A Posthumous Journey Through German History
Also in the Out of Competition section is "Transition," a deeply personal documentary by Peter Badel and Chris Wright, which completes the unfinished work of acclaimed German documentarian Thomas Heise. Heise, born in East Berlin in 1955, was celebrated for his unflinching chronicles of life in East Germany and the profound societal changes that followed German reunification, with notable works including "Vaterland" and "Material."
Heise had begun filming a project about Berlin’s Schönhauser Allee, the street he had called home for decades, when he unexpectedly passed away a few months into production. His long-time cinematographer, Peter Badel, and editor, Chris Wright, stepped in to complete the film, transforming it into a posthumous collaboration and a tribute. The film, utilizing "exclusive material from his archives," promises to reveal "lived history and a great thinker," according to the festival. "Transition" not only navigates the urban landscape of Berlin but also serves as a meditation on memory, artistic legacy, and the complex historical tapestry of a divided and then reunited Germany, offering a unique glimpse into the mind of a pivotal documentary filmmaker.
The Enduring Power of Human Stories
The Locarno Film Festival’s 79th edition stands as a testament to the enduring power of human stories, particularly those of in/famous people, to illuminate broader societal truths and provoke introspection. From experimental portraits of artistic legends to gritty accounts of personal struggle within the justice system, and from historical dramas questioning morality to poignant tributes to documentary pioneers, the festival’s lineup is a rich tapestry of human experience. These films, diverse in form and subject, collectively affirm cinema’s unique ability to explore the complexities of identity, history, and the human spirit, promising a compelling and unforgettable experience for all attendees.
