The world’s most prestigious invitation-only film festival, held annually in Cannes, France
The Independent reports that London hosts The Final Film Festival from August 6–9, offering international premieres and hidden gems in venues from the ICA to Peckham’s The Castle. Organisers say the festival aims to fill a niche between large festivals, welcoming both acclaimed titles and cult favorites.
Bruce Dern reflects on a lifetime in film, from early work with Hitchcock to Cannes success in Nebraska, and hints at a new story involving Marilyn Monroe as he discusses ageing in cinema and the AI era.
Venice has faced criticism for including few female directors in its main competition. May el-Toukhys Woman Unknown was the lone woman-led feature in the initial lineup; festival organisers have since added the documentary NAZA. Jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal and programmers at London Film Festival have said structural barriers, especially financing, are limiting womens progression to larger films.
At TIFF 2026, studios are bypassing fall festivals while markets expand. Major releases skip screenings, while the market and Red Sea Fund-backed projects push Toronto as a hub for sales and international partnerships. TIFF’s evolving role mirrors a broader shift in how studios reach audiences and win awards amid a crowded fall slate.
The trilogy-spanning queer epic La Bola Negra has earned Cannes acclaim and is set for a Netflix-backed cinema release, positioning its creators Ambrossi and Calvo for a potential best-picture nod as it builds a generational LGBTQ+ legacy across the early 20th century to the present.