News from Italy
Taormina Film Fest 2026
One of Italy’s most prestigious film events, the Taormina Film Fest, returns for its 72nd edition from June 10 to 14, 2026. The festival will bring together some of the most celebrated figures of international cinema in the stunning setting of Sicily.
The 72nd Taormina Film Fest 2026 continues a prestigious tradition that began in 1955, reinforcing its position as one of the most significant events on the international film calendar. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Sicily’s coastline, the festival is celebrated for its unique blend of glamour, history, and artistic discovery. Over the decades, it has welcomed legendary figures such as Sophia Loren, Robert De Niro, and Audrey Hepburn, while maintaining a reputation for showcasing works distinguished by both technical excellence and emotional depth.
At the heart of the festival stands the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, a remarkable Greek landmark carved into the hillside more than two thousand years ago and overlooking the Ionian Sea. Here, major international premieres are screened beneath the open sky, framed by the dramatic silhouette of Mount Etna in the distance, creating what is often described as one of the world’s most extraordinary cinematic experiences.
The 2026 programme features an International Feature Film Competition, a selection of high-profile Out-of-Competition screenings, and a dedicated Short Film Competition, all designed to celebrate the power of visual storytelling in its many forms.
At the heart of the festival stands the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, widely regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular open-air venues for film screenings. Every evening at 8:30 p.m., audiences will enjoy special events, red carpet ceremonies, award presentations, screenings, and appearances by renowned guests.
International Cinema’s Biggest Names in Taormina
The 2026 edition boasts an impressive guest list. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jane Campion chairs the jury and includes Holly Hunter, Francine Maisler, Akinola Davies Jr., Sue Kroll, Miyako Bellizzi, and Pietro Castellitto.
Throughout the festival, guests will include Helen Mirren, Clive Owen, Russell Crowe, Franco Nero, Connie Nielsen, Giancarlo Giannini, Michele Placido, Scott Eastwood, Toby Jones, Aaron Paul, Nina Dobrev, and Miriam Leone, among many other prominent figures from the international film industry.
Among the most anticipated guests is actor Can Yaman, who enjoys remarkable popularity among Italian audiences.
Opening Night with House of the Dragon
The festival will open on June 10 with a special preview presentation of the third season of House of the Dragon. During the opening ceremony, awards will also be presented to Anna Valle, Paola Egonu, and Emilie Hirsch.
Can Yaman and Clive Owen Highlight June 11
June 11 is expected to be one of the festival’s busiest and most anticipated days, featuring appearances by Can Yaman and Clive Owen. Musical performances by Giusy Ferreri and Eugenio Bennato will accompany the evening’s events, while the competition title Piccolo miracolo will be among the featured films.
A special commemorative screening of Luchino Visconti’s classic Bellissima will also be held.
The Day of Helen Mirren and Giuseppe Tornatore
On June 12, the spotlight will turn to Helen Mirren, Giancarlo Giannini, Emmanuelle Seigner, and Academy Award-winning director Giuseppe Tornatore.
Among the evening’s featured screenings are Brunello il visionario garbato by Giuseppe Tornatore and Kiss of the Spider Woman directed by Bill Condon.
Russell Crowe among the festival’s major attractions
June 13 will welcome Russell Crowe, one of the most highly anticipated guests of the entire festival. He will be joined by Connie Nielsen, Toby Jones, Gore Verbinski, Aaron Paul, and Miriam Leone.
The evening will include a screening of Derrick Borte’s Bear Country, while several artists and film professionals will receive special honours.
Grand Finale with Scott Eastwood and Franco Nero
The closing night on June 14 will feature Franco Nero, Scott Eastwood, Connie Nielsen, Miles Teller, Michele Placido, and Alessandro Preziosi.
The festival will conclude with a screening of DavMackenzie’se’s Fuze, followed by the presentation of the final awards.
Daytime Screenings and Industry Talks
Beyond the evening galas, the festival will offer a rich daytime program of screenings and public discussions. Casa del Cinema will host competition films and short-filmselectionsi. At the same time, the Palazzo dei Congressi will host masterclasses, press events, and conversations with filmmakers and actors.
Among the guests expected to participate in public talks are Emilie Hirsch, Can Yaman, Clive Owen, Helen Mirren, Toby Jones, Gore Verbinski, Connie Nielsen, Scott Eastwood, Franco Nero, and Alessandro Preziosi.
Cinema, Culture and the Charm of the Mediterranean
Overlooking the Sicilian coastline, the Ancient Theatre of Taormina once again provides an extraordinary setting to celebrate international cinema.
The 72nd Taormina Film Fest is set to welcome acclaimed artists, outstanding new productions, and thousands of film enthusiasts from around the world for five unforgettable days of cinema and culture.
Beyond the screenings, the festival serves as a vital meeting point for industry professionals, filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts. Venues such as the Palazzo dei Congressi host masterclasses, press conferences, and public conversations, transforming the historic centre of Taormina into a vibrant cultural hub where Mediterranean charm meets global cinema.
Attendees can expect a carefully curated experience that honours the legacy of classic filmmaking while championing the voices of contemporary storytellers, all within onof Europe’s’s most spectacular natural settings.
