Shanghai Film Festival Crowns 'Atlantic Rhapsody'
The Shanghai International Film Festival awarded its top prize to "Atlantic Rhapsody," directed by Zhong Kaifeng, at its awards ceremony on July 22, 2026. The jury, led by Tony Leung Chiu-wai, said it was looking for "surprises," and the film — a story about a young man's search for his father set against China's industrial boom — delivered that with an experimental narrative structure and striking visual style. In other Shanghai categories, "Iluminada" won the Jury Grand Prix, darkly comic "Halima" took both Best Director and Best Actress, and Zhang Songwen earned Best Actor for "Secret in the Box."
India Announces 72nd National Film Awards
India's 72nd National Film Awards were announced for films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification during 2024, with an 11-member jury chaired by Malayalam filmmaker Jayaraj reviewing close to 400 features across 34 languages. The political drama "Article 370," centered on the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, won Best Feature Film, and Yami Gautam received Best Actress for her role in the film. Best Actor was shared between Kartik Aaryan for "Chandu Champion" and Mammootty for "Bramayugam," while Tamil-language hit "Amaran" won Best Director for Rajkumar Periasamy, along with Best Editing and shared Best Music Direction. Other winners included "Piplantri – A Tale of Eco Feminism" for promoting social and environmental values and "Touched as Water" for Best Animation Film.
Venice's Giornate Degli Autori Reveals Female-Centric Lineup
The 2026 Venice Film Festival's Giornate Degli Autori section unveiled a 10-film female-centric competition lineup, opening with Lili Horvát's sci-fi romance "My Notes on Mars" starring Mackenzie Davis and Rupert Friend. The closing slot went to Lèa Domenach's "Peau d'homme," re-teaming with Catherine Deneuve. Notable entries include Nathalia Acevedo's debut "Salón De Bellezza," Nigerian filmmaker Damilola Orimogunje's "Dear Ajayi," Kuba Dorabialski's "Agata the Writer" with Mia Wasikowska, and veteran French filmmaker Robert Guédiguian's "Une femme aujourd'hui." The section will also feature Miu Miu Women's Tales shorts from Mona Fastvold and Claire Denis.
Biarritz Festival Honors 'Big Girls Don't Cry'
At the 2026 Nouvelles Vagues International Biarritz Film Festival, jury president Kristen Stewart awarded the Grand Prix to "Big Girls Don't Cry," directed by Paloma Schneideman. The New Zealand coming-of-age film received its French premiere at the festival, which focused on international features centered on stories of youth. Stewart's involvement as juror drew significant media attention and underscored the festival's commitment to supporting emerging talent and diverse voices in global cinema.
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