Lucca Film Festival (Lucca Cinema Effect)
The international film festival that turns Lucca into an open-air movie set
About Lucca Film Festival
A film festival in the heart of Lucca
The Lucca Film Festival is one of Tuscany's most beloved cinematic events, held annually in the historic center of Lucca. Established in the early 2000s, the festival has secured a prominent place on the Italian cultural scene thanks to a format that blends international competitions, auteur retrospectives, masterclasses, exhibitions, and major global cinema stars. Over the years, the city has welcomed legendary screen figures such as David Cronenberg, Malcolm McDowell, Kevin Spacey, and Gianni Amelio, alongside memorable tributes to masters like David Lynch and the Taviani brothers.
Lucca Cinema Effect, the night that enchants the city
The most anticipated and spectacular moment is the Lucca Cinema Effect night, which kicks off the event. For one evening, the entire historic center, enclosed by its famous Renaissance walls, transforms into a massive open-air set: squares and streets fill with theatrical performances, dance choreographies, and visual installations that recreate and celebrate major film genres, from horror to musicals, science fiction to westerns. Dozens of theater and dance companies animate dedicated themed areas, offering residents and tourists a unique, immersive, and free experience.
Competitions and sections
The festival revolves around three international competitions featuring Italian premieres:
- International Feature Film Competition — dedicated to auteur feature films from around the world.
- International Short Film Competition — a showcase for the best international short films.
- LFF For Future — a section reserved for young filmmakers under 35, with a special focus on environmental sustainability, social issues, and the new generation.
Selected works are evaluated by juries composed of professionals, press representatives, students, and the public, confirming the festival's participatory spirit.
An event for the city and for cinema
Beyond the competition screenings, the program offers retrospectives, Q&As with directors, exhibitions, and cultural deep-dives that make the Lucca Film Festival an opportunity to discover both great international cinema and the monumental beauty of one of Tuscany's most fascinating art cities. The event is organized by the Lucca Film Festival organization with the support of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca.
Lucca Film Festival — edition 2026
Lucca Film Festival 2026 — 22nd Edition
From September 26 to October 4, 2026, Lucca hosts the 22nd edition of the Lucca Film Festival, under the artistic direction of Nicola Borrelli. The event confirms its established format: international competitions, retrospectives, exhibitions, and major cinema guests, with the support of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Lucca.
The edition will open on September 26 with the famous Lucca Cinema Effect night, when the historic center transforms into an open-air set. The detailed program of screenings and the list of guests will be communicated by the organization in the weeks preceding the event.
Programme Lucca Film Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 22nd edition, including the list of selected films and guests, will be published on the festival's official website in the weeks leading up to the event (the list of works in competition is expected by September 10, 2026). Below is the confirmed structure for the 2026 edition.
Friday, September 26 — Lucca Cinema Effect
- Festival opening with the Lucca Cinema Effect night in the historic center (from 9:00 PM).
- Theatrical performances, dance choreographies, and visual installations along streets and squares.
- Themed areas dedicated to film genres: horror, thriller, animation, musical, comedy, drama, war, sci-fi, fantasy, and western, animated by theater and dance companies.
September 26 – October 4 — Competitions and Screenings
- International Feature Film Competition: international feature films in Italian premiere, 3,000 euro prize.
- International Short Film Competition: international short films, 1,000 euro prize.
- LFF For Future: short films by filmmakers under 35 on environmental sustainability and social issues, 1,000 euro prize.
- Retrospectives, Q&As with authors, exhibitions, and special cinema-related events.
Highlights Lucca Film Festival 2026
Prices Lucca Film Festival 2026
Practical information — Lucca Film Festival
Getting there
Lucca is easily accessible by train: the station is just a short walk from the walls, with direct connections from Florence, Pisa, and Viareggio. By car, you can reach it via the A11 Firenze-Mare motorway (Lucca exit) or the A12. The nearest airport is Pisa Galileo Galilei, about 30 minutes away.
Tickets and access
Screenings and events take place in various venues throughout the historic center. Many events, including the Lucca Cinema Effect night, are free to attend until capacity is reached. For indoor screenings, it is recommended to check the box office and the official program on the website luccafilmfestival.it.
Practical tips
The historic center is pedestrianized: it is best to park in the lots outside the walls and get around on foot or by bicycle. September is an ideal time to visit Lucca, with pleasant temperatures; booking accommodation in advance is recommended.
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Where does it take place — Lucca Film Festival
Centro storico di Lucca