Biografilm Festival
The international festival dedicated to life stories and biographical cinema
About Biografilm
The festival of life stories
The Biografilm Festival is the most important film event in the world entirely dedicated to biographical cinema and life stories. Founded in 2005, it transforms Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna, into the beating heart of Italian and international author documentaries every year. Organized by the Fanatic About Festivals Association, the festival combines screenings, meetings, masterclasses, and musical moments, building a choral narrative of the human experience through the lens of contemporary documentary filmmakers.
Sections
The program is divided into numerous sections, ranging from major international cinema to Italian productions, from contemporary lives to biographies of artists and musicians:
- International Competition: the best documentaries and biographical films from around the world, many in premiere.
- Biografilm Italia: the showcase for Italian documentary production.
- Contemporary Lives: stories that address the major themes of the present, from civil rights to the environment, from social inclusion to identity.
- Biografilm Art&Music: portraits of artists and musicians, often accompanied by events and performances.
- Sguardi in Camera and Special Events: premieres, guests, and special screenings.
A growing event
In addition to screenings, Biografilm is a meeting point for industry professionals thanks to Bio to B – Industry Days, a market that brings together producers, distributors, broadcasters, and platforms. The festival also awards numerous prizes, including the renowned Celebration of Lives Award dedicated to great personalities in cinema and culture, and the Premio Manifesto for social impact.
Bologna, city of cinema
Biografilm takes place in the historic cinemas of Bologna's city center, a city recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Music and home to the Cineteca, one of the most important film institutions in the world. Between the Cinema Lumière, the Cinema Modernissimo, the Arlecchino, and outdoor spaces, the event offers an experience that combines a passion for documentaries with the discovery of one of Italy's most vibrant and welcoming cities.
Biografilm — edition 2026
The 22nd edition of the Biografilm Festival enlivens Bologna from June 5 to 15, 2026, with a title that is a statement of intent: "Humanity: singular plural." The artistic direction of Chiara Liberti and Massimo Benvegnù has curated a program of 64 films from 34 countries, with 54 premieres including 16 international ones, shown in the historic city center's venues, with part of the program also available via streaming.
Programme Biografilm 2026
Opening and Closing
- Opening Film (June 5): Broken English by Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth, dedicated to Marianne Faithfull.
- Closing Film: The Revolution Against Death by Joshua Oppenheimer.
2026 Sections
- International Competition — documentaries and biographical films from around the world.
- Biografilm Italia — the best of Italian production.
- Contemporary Lives — the great themes of the present: civil rights, environment, inclusion, memory, identity, new generations.
- Biografilm Art&Music — portraits of artists and musicians.
- Sguardi in Camera and Special Events.
This Year's New Features
- The Biografilm Podcast Award is launched, dedicated to the best original audio stories.
- Biografilm Poesia – La vita che scrive (Life That Writes) debuts, curated by Emanuela Ceddia and Franca Mancinelli, with poet Milo De Angelis as a guest.
Bio to B – Industry Days
From June 8 to 10, the professional market brings together over 400 accredited attendees, 42 selected projects, and numerous meetings between producers, distributors, and platforms.
Venues and Distribution
Screenings are held at the Cinema Lumière, Cinema Modernissimo, Pop Up Cinema Arlecchino, Biblioteca Salaborsa, and spaces within the Santa Cristina complex, with extensions of the "Biografilm in piazza" project in Castel Maggiore and Castenaso.
Highlights Biografilm 2026
Among the most anticipated guests of the 22nd edition: Kaouther Ben Hania, Milena Vukotic, Rula Jebreal, Wu Ming 2, and Ron Moss. The 2026 Celebration of Lives Award recipients are Bonnie Timmermann, Kaouther Ben Hania, and Milena Vukotic.
Prices Biografilm 2026
Practical information — Biografilm
Getting here
Bologna is one of Italy's main railway hubs: Bologna Centrale station is reachable by high-speed train from Milan, Florence, Rome, and Venice. The festival venues are in the historic center, easily accessible on foot. Guglielmo Marconi Airport is connected to the center by the Marconi Express shuttle.
Tickets and accreditation
Tickets for individual screenings and season tickets at reduced rates are available. Part of the program is also available online via a streaming platform. We recommend consulting the official website for schedules, advance ticket sales, and professional accreditations.
Where to stay
To best enjoy the festival, it is advisable to stay in the historic center or in the Manifattura delle Arti area, a short walk from the main venues.
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Where does it take place — Biografilm
Cinema Lumière
Via della Zecca, 2, 40121 Bologna