Lovers Film Festival
Europe's longest-running LGBTQI+ film festival, in Turin
About Lovers Film Festival
A historic festival in the heart of Turin
The Lovers Film Festival is one of the most iconic cultural events in Turin and the entire Piedmont region. Established in 1986 as "Da Sodoma a Hollywood," it is now the longest-running LGBTQI+ film festival in Europe and the third oldest in the world. The festival takes place at the Cinema Massimo, the historic screening room of the National Cinema Museum, located at Via Verdi 18, just a short walk from the Mole Antonelliana.
Cinema, rights, and critical perspectives
The festival is more than just a film showcase; it is a space for dialogue on identity, inclusion, and civil rights. Each edition features a central theme that weaves through the selection and events. Alongside screenings, the program includes panels, monologues, musical performances, and award ceremonies, featuring guests from the Italian and international film and cultural scenes.
Competitive sections
The heart of the program is divided into three international competitions:
- All The Lovers – Ottavio Mai Award: the feature film competition.
- Real Lovers: the documentary competition.
- Future Lovers: the short film competition.
These are complemented by special sections, geographical focuses, and rotating annual retrospectives, as well as numerous collateral awards assigned by juries and the audience.
A community-supported event
The artistic direction has been led for several years by Vladimir Luxuria. The festival is produced by the National Cinema Museum with the support of the Ministry of Culture, the Piedmont Region, the City of Turin, and major local foundations. It is an event that confirms Turin's status as a city of cinema and human rights, capable of attracting audiences, directors, and actors from many countries.
Lovers Film Festival — edition 2026
La 41ª edizione del Lovers Film Festival ha portato a Torino, dal 16 al 21 aprile 2026, oltre 50 film da 21 Paesi, tra cui 32 anteprime nazionali e una mondiale. Il tema dell'anno, "Chi guarda chi – Who's watching who", ha messo al centro lo sguardo come atto critico e consapevole.
La direzione è stata affidata a Vladimir Luxuria, affiancata dal vicedirettore Angelo Acerbi. La madrina dell'inaugurazione è stata l'attrice Donatella Finocchiaro. Tra gli ospiti, Leo Gassmann per una performance musicale e Nicola Savino alla conduzione della serata finale.
Programme Lovers Film Festival 2026
Apertura — 16 aprile
- 19:30 — Film di apertura: Maspalomas (Aitor Arregi, Jose Mari Goenaga, Spagna), con l'ospite Jose Mari Goenaga.
Concorso lungometraggi — All The Lovers (Premio Ottavio Mai)
Giuria presieduta da Lorenzo Balducci. In concorso, tra gli altri: Between Dreams and Hope (Farnoosh Samadi, Iran), Iván & Hadoum (Ian De La Rosa, Spagna), Julian (Cato Kusters, Belgio/Paesi Bassi), Girlfriends (Tracy Choi), On the Sea (Helen Walsh, Regno Unito), Another Man (David Moragas, Spagna), Bookends (Mike Doyle, USA).
Concorso documentari — Real Lovers
Giuria presieduta da Vincenzo Patanè. Selezionati: Cuidadoras, Ballata Femmenella, Barbara Forever, La face cachée de la terre, Treat Me Like Your Mother.
Concorso cortometraggi — Future Lovers
Giuria presieduta da Fumettibrutti (Josefine Yole Signorelli).
Sezioni speciali e focus
- Focus Trieste, Focus Mubi (con Strange Way of Life di Almodóvar e Passages di Ira Sachs), Focus Uruguay.
- Lovers Celebrations: tributo a Udo Kier.
- Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror e l'anteprima mondiale del restauro di Frisk (Todd Verow).
Eventi speciali
- 20 aprile — Performance musicale di Leo Gassmann prima di Bookends.
- 21 aprile — Serata di chiusura con il film Plainclothes (Carmen Emmi), condotta da Nicola Savino.
Highlights Lovers Film Festival 2026
Prices Lovers Film Festival 2026
Practical information — Lovers Film Festival
Location
Cinema Massimo - National Cinema Museum, Via Giuseppe Verdi 18, 10124 Turin. The venue is located in the city center, a short distance from the Mole Antonelliana.
How to get there
By train: from the Turin Porta Nuova or Porta Susa stations, the venue is accessible via GTT public transport or on foot. By car: numerous parking facilities are available in the city center. Using public transport is recommended due to the central location.
Tickets
Screenings are ticketed with affordable rates (full and reduced), with discounts for those under 26, over 65, Abbonamento Musei holders, and Aiace members. Admission is free for people with disabilities and one companion. Advance tickets are available on the official website, and the box office is open at the venue during the festival.
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Where does it take place — Lovers Film Festival
Cinema Massimo - Museo Nazionale del Cinema
Via Giuseppe Verdi 18, 10124 Torino