Taormina Film Festival 2026

The Taormina Film Festival celebrates its 72nd edition from 10 to 14 June 2026, reaffirming its status as one of the most prestigious film events on the Italian and international scene. Directed by Tiziana Rocca and set against the picturesque backdrop of Taormina, the festival offers five days of screenings, premieres, meetings with leading figures from the world of cinema, and special events at the Ancient Theatre and the festival’s main venues.

The festival will open with a special event: the Italian premiere of the third season of House of the Dragon, featuring actors Steve Toussaint, Tom Glynn-Carney, Harry Collett, Bethany Antonia and Phoebe Campbell, stars of the highly anticipated HBO series.

Among the most eagerly awaited guests are Helen Mirren, Russell Crowe, Clive Owen, Connie Nielsen, Franco Nero and Giancarlo Giannini, alongside numerous figures from the international film world. The patron of the 2026 edition will be Anna Valle, whilst the international jury will be chaired by Oscar-winning director Jane Campion and comprise, amongst others, Holly Hunter, Francine Maisler, Miyako Bellizzi, Sue Kroll and Pietro Castellitto.

On 11 June, the festival will pay tribute to Helen Mirren, who will receive the Taormina Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award during an evening dedicated to Anna Magnani, featuring a screening of the restored version of Luchino Visconti’s Bellissima. On 12 June, the spotlight will be on Giuseppe Tornatore, who will receive the Golden Globe Prize for Documentary for his film Brunello, il visionario garbato, dedicated to the entrepreneur Brunello Cucinelli. On 13 June, it will be Russell Crowe’s turn, who will present the world premiere of the thriller Bear Country and receive the Taormina Film Festival International Achievement Award, an honour bestowed upon figures who have left a significant mark on the history of cinema.

The festival is divided into four main sections: International Feature Film Competition, Short Film Competition – Sguardi di Sicilia, Out of Competition and Special Events. Alongside the screenings, there will be talks, masterclasses and in-depth discussions, including the panel ‘Women Beyond the Gaze’, dedicated to the role of women in cinema and the contemporary audiovisual industry.

With international premieres, tributes to the great masters of the silver screen and a rich array of guests from all over the world, the Taormina Film Festival reaffirms its role as a meeting point for cinema, culture and entertainment in the heart of Sicily.