Locarno Film Festival: Meet the Judges for 2026!

People walking on a red carpet at the Locarno Film Festival, with spotlights shining on a historic building.
  • Who’s leading the pack at Locarno 2026?
  • Meet the cool panel of international judges!
  • Our thoughts on this year’s festival vibe.

Finally, some news about the judges for one of the coolest film festivals out there! We just heard the Locarno Film Festival has picked its jury for 2026. This is always a big deal!

And guess who’s leading the Concorso Internazionale jury? Belgian filmmaker Fabrice Du Welz! He’s got a unique eye for stories. Imagine the discussions!

He’s not alone. Italian producer Marco Alessi is joining him. Plus, French actress Lolita Chammah brings her acting chops. Chilean actress Paulina García also steps onto the panel, adding even more international flair. Talk about a powerhouse group! It reminds us of how exciting it is when different worlds come together, like when Mahesh Babu’s nephew got engaged to a South Korean entrepreneur! So much global connection!

Rounding out the jury is Olivier Père, a real film veteran. He knows his stuff, having been a big part of other festivals like Quinzaine des cinéastes. We love seeing seasoned pros in these roles. It’s like how everyone’s keeping an eye on Deepika and Ranveer’s glowing baby bump – everyone’s excited for what’s coming next!

The Locarno festival has such a distinct vibe. Think bright, sunny Switzerland. Crisp air. And the movies? Always a mix of bold, artistic choices and fresh perspectives. We can almost picture the cinematic palette this jury will appreciate. Deep, thoughtful. Unexpected. This group feels like a vibrant tapestry of film knowledge. A true celebration of visual storytelling. Makes you want to book a ticket, right?

Our Take

We’re genuinely thrilled with this lineup. Fabrice Du Welz leading the charge means we can expect some really interesting, perhaps even edgy, films to be highlighted. It’s not just about picking winners; it’s about setting a tone.

This diverse group of talent ensures a wide range of viewpoints will be considered. Fresh perspectives are so important, right? It’s kind of like how we’re always thinking about the future, especially with news like the UK considering late-night social media curfews for teens – always looking ahead to what’s next for culture and entertainment. We think Locarno is in for a great year!