Venice Film Festival Unveils 2026 Program with AI Documentary and Women’s Awards

The 83rd Venice Film Festival announced its 2026 program on Thursday, July 23. The edition runs from September 2 to 12 and was presented by Biennale president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco and artistic director Alberto Barbera.

Four Italian titles entered the Orizzonti competition – “Una storia”, “La città dei vivi”, “La ragazza con la Leica” and “I figli della scimmia”. Five Italian films compete in the main selection, including Nanni Moretti’s “Succederà questa notte” and Edoardo De Angelis’s “Il fuoco che ti porti dentro”. The series “Peccato” by Valerio Vestoso is the sole TV series in the Venice Open section.

A first AI‑made Italian feature documentary, “Be Brave” by Francesco Carrozzini about Diesel founder Renzo Rosso, will debut, alongside the Oasis documentary “Don’t Look Back In Anger”. Barbera noted the hoped‑for appearance of Liam and Noel Gallagher.

On September 3, Elle Italy launched the inaugural “Elle BNP Paribas Women in Venice” gala, honoring seven women for achievements in directing, costume, acting and design. The ceremony took place in the historic Giardino Fortuny and the Oficine 800 venue, celebrating female contributions to the seventh art.