International film festivals announce diverse 2026 lineups

The 62nd Chicago International Film Festival has expanded its OutLook program, which focuses on diverse queer narratives. The program features a wide range of genres, including animation, hybrid documentaries, and comedies, spanning various geographical locations and themes. This year’s OutLook program honors cinema figures such as Ira Sachs and Cheryl Dunye, and will open with Jordan Firstman’s “Club Kid”.

The 14th QCinema International Film Festival will take place from November 13 to 22, 2026, under the theme “Genre’teurs”. The lineup includes the world premiere of the animated fantasy-horror film “Ella Arcangel: Ballad of Tooth and Claw”, directed by Mervin Malonzo, which utilizes Philippine supernatural mythology to address contemporary social issues. The festival will conclude with Hirokazu Kore-eda’s live-action adaptation of the manga “Look Back”.