The Locarno Film Festival is set to introduce a new competitive section focused on films for young audiences during its 2026 edition, as announced on Thursday. The Locarno Kids Screenings will showcase a selection of feature films from around the world, celebrating their world or international premieres, and will be judged by a youth jury.
New Competitive Section for Young Audiences
Organizers revealed that the new section is aimed at exploring the diverse spectrum of family-friendly cinema. According to Daniela Persico, programmer for Locarno Kids Screenings, “For the first year that Locarno Kids Screenings becomes a competitive section, we have put together a program that explores the full, free range of cinematic possibilities.”
The films will be judged for the Locarno Kids Award la Mobiliare by a jury made up of members aged 11 to 15. The inaugural selection features seven films, all world or international premieres, spanning various genres and cinematic traditions.
Highlighted Films in the Selection
This year’s lineup includes a range of films that highlight the complexities of contemporary life while remaining accessible to younger viewers. Notable selections include:
- Derborence The Age of Animals - A Swiss nature documentary
- MU-KI-RA - An animated feature from Colombia
- The Newcomers - A Mexican adventure film
- The Summer That Ended Twice - An Italian coming-of-age story
- If Luck Will Come - A Danish social documentary about a circus for disadvantaged children in Afghanistan
In addition, two titles will be presented out of competition: Angel Seekers, which follows a teenager from Ticino, and Viva Carmen, a French feature animation that reimagines opera through the eyes of street kids.
Festival Details and Upcoming Events
The 79th Locarno Film Festival will take place from August 5 to 15, 2026. This innovative addition to the festival aims to provide young audiences with a platform for engagement and reflection through cinema. The full selection of kids screenings will be announced closer to the festival dates.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Hollywood Reporter. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
