Open Doors, the Locarno Film Festival‘s co-production platform and talent development program for filmmakers from equity-seeking communities and regions where artistic expression is at risk, is gearing up for its second edition with a focus on African cinema, unveiling on Monday its selection of projects and producers for 2026.
Organizers promise “a bold and diverse slate of voices from across the African continent” in an edition that brings together filmmakers whose work spans fiction, documentary and animation across more than 10 countries. Running Aug. 5-10, the Open Doors program offers hands-on training, mentoring and networking, alongside public screenings and events during the Locarno Film Festival and its industry arm Locarno Pro.
The 2026 Open Doors Projects showcase features six first and second features in development — from portraits of music and memory to explorations of womanhood, urban life and the long shadows of colonialism.
The Open Doors Producers program, which supports producers in building sustainable careers and cross-border networks, also assembles six participants. Finally, the Open Doors Directors selection brings together five directors for a program of talks, workshops and industry networking. Their short films will be part of this year’s Open Doors Screenings.
