Movie enthusiasts can mark their calendars, as tickets for the 40th edition of AFI Fest go on sale October 3. This year's selection boasts a significant international presence, with over ten films already submitted as Best International Feature Oscar contenders, according to a report from IndieWire.
The festival's programming highlights a mix of acclaimed auteurs and emerging talents. Among the must-see titles are Lee Chang-dong’s Venice Silver Lion winner "Possible Love," Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s Cannes prize-winning "All of a Sudden" starring Virginie Efira, and Werner Herzog’s fantasy comedy "Bucking Fastard," featuring sisters Kate and Rooney Mara. Céline Sciamma’s "Tutti Frutti" and Asghar Farhadi’s "Parallel Tales," starring Isabelle Huppert and Vincent Cassel, are slated for their North American premieres, adding to the festival's allure.
Other notable films include Mike Leigh’s San Sebastián Golden Shell winner "Tender Loving Care," Andrew Haigh’s "A Long Winter," and Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s "The Idiot(s)." Award-winning international features like İlker Çatak’s Berlinale Golden Bear winner "Yellow Letters" and Markus Schleinzer’s "Rose," which earned a Berlinale Silver Bear for lead performance, are also part of the extensive program.
Documentary selections are equally compelling, with titles such as Pegah Ahangarani’s Cannes L’Œil d’Or Prize winner "Rehearsals for a Revolution," Joss Crowley’s Toronto-premiered "Pretenders," and Sundance award winners "One in a Million" and "Nuisance Bear."
Todd Hitchcock, director of AFI FEST, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “Our 40th edition of AFI FEST celebrates the cinematic artistry of bold, inspiring filmmakers from around the world.” He further highlighted that the festival would “once again light up the screen of the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre with a wide-ranging slate of films.” Abbie Algar, director of programming, echoed this sentiment, adding that the lineup “invites audiences to spend five days experiencing worlds beyond their own and making the connections that great art can spark.”
The festival kicks off with the U.S. premiere of "Wildwood" and concludes with "Being Heumann." Additional gala screenings include "The Mosquito Bowl," "I Play Rocky," and "Ray Gunn." This year, acclaimed filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller will serve as guest artistic directors, hosting a Q&A session and curating a special series of screenings including classics like "2001: A Space Odyssey" and "The Muppet Movie."
With such a comprehensive and prestigious selection, AFI Fest 2026 is poised to be a significant event on the global film calendar, offering a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with some of the most compelling storytelling from around the globe.