The Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) has officially announced its 2026 programme, marking its 22nd year with an expansive lineup that cements its status as Scotland’s premier cinematic event. Running from 25 February to 8 March, the festival will showcase 126 films from 44 countries, featuring a staggering 68 UK premieres and 18 Scottish premieres.
A Historic "Homegrown" Opening and Closing
For the first time in GFF history, the festival will both open and close with UK premieres of films shot within Glasgow. The opening night features Felipe Bustos Sierra’s documentary Everybody to Kenmure Street, an executive-produced project by Emma Thompson that chronicles Scotland’s famous acts of civil resistance. The festival concludes with the directorial debut of James McAvoy, California Schemin', based on the true story of a Scottish rap duo.
Global Stars and Scottish Talent
The programme is a magnet for Hollywood heavyweights. Major UK premieres include:
Angelina Jolie in the high-fashion drama Couture.
Jude Law, Paul Dano, and Alicia Vikander in the political thriller The Wizard of the Kremlin.
Charli XCX in her screenwriting and acting debut, Erupcja.
Willem Dafoe starring in both Late Fame and The Birthday Party.
Scottish cinema is equally well-represented with 13 featured films. Highlights include the world premiere of Molly vs THE MACHINES, a father’s quest for justice, and Midwinter Break, a marriage drama starring Ciarán Hinds and Lesley Manville.
Special Celebrations and Retrospectives
GFF26 will honor the centenary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth with affordable screenings of classics like Some Like It Hot and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Meanwhile, the "Truth to Power" retrospective offers free morning screenings of resistance-themed classics, including the 50th-anniversary showing of All the President’s Men.
The festival’s cult-favorite horror strand, FrightFest, also returns for its 21st year, boasting five world premieres and a weekend of "Woodstock of gore" at the Glasgow Film Theatre.
From the immersive "spooky walkthrough" screening of Carrie to James McAvoy’s homecoming debut, GFF26 promises 12 days of world-class storytelling. Tickets go on sale soon at glasgowfilm.org.
