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Black Movie Festival Geneva 2026: Celebrating Independent Cinema at the Heart of Queer Stories and Activism

Black Movie: A Hub of Cinematic Freedom

From January 16, Geneva transforms into a beacon for independent cinema with the 27th edition of Black Movie. This year, the international festival presents an impressive lineup: 104 films from around the globe, 48 feature films, 56 shorts, fifteen invited directors, and the special appearance of Tony Leung Chiu-wai, a legendary figure in Asian cinema. Remaining true to its core values, Black Movie steps away from mainstream circuits to celebrate a cinema that is free, political, and bold, where queer narratives naturally find their space.

Under the artistic direction of Maria Watzlawick, the festival proudly upholds a clear vision: defending freedom of thought and self-determination. The films span eleven major thematic areas—including education, future, family, bodily autonomy, totalitarianism, and rebellion—offering a comprehensive map of contemporary world issues and opportunities. Each section delves into diverse forms and genres, providing a dedicated platform for LGBTQIA+ voices.

Three Must-See Queer Films

Niñxs – Kani Lapuerta (Mexico)
In the small Mexican town of Tepoztlán, Karla shares her personal journey from childhood to adolescence. As a trans person, she navigates doubts, joys, and the upheavals of self-discovery. Filmed over eight years, this debut feature by trans director Kani Lapuerta is a sensitive, vibrant, and joyously unruly chronicle. The film follows the pace of life with an approach that is both documentary-style and profoundly poetic.

Songs of Forgotten Trees – Anuparna Roy (India)
In Mumbai, Thooya, an outspoken migrant with dreams of acting, survives on odd jobs and occasionally prostitution. She sublets a room in her apartment to Swetha, a recent arrival working in a call center. Within the confines of the city’s hustle, a bond forms, filled with confidences and unexpected affections. More than just friendship, a connection develops. This urban feminist tale portrays two women determined to reclaim control over their lives, despite societal constraints and precarity.

Morte e Vida Madalena – Guto Parente (Brazil)
Madalena, an eight-month pregnant film producer, strives to resurrect the filming of an unlikely sci-fi script penned by her late father. But everything falls apart: the director, also her ex-partner, vanishes, funding dries up, and the crew is skeptical. Unwilling to give up, Madalena carries a child, a film, and an entire queer community rallying around her. Blending melodrama and comedy, this feature is a love letter to genre cinema and creative power.

An Internationally Engaged Panorama

Black Movie also features renowned filmmakers. South Korean director Park Chan-wook presents No Other Choice, an adaptation of a Donald Westlake noir novel about a corporate downfall turning murderous. Pedro Pinho from Portugal introduces Le rire et le couteau, a complex exploration of postcolonial legacies. Hungarian Ildikó Enyedi showcases Silent Friend, a choral tale centered around a magnificent gingko. Tony Leung Chiu-wai will be present for the screening on Sunday, January 18.

The festival explores dystopian themes and alternative narratives. Haitian documentarian Raoul Peck delivers Orwell: 2+2=5, a chilling dive into the post-truth era. Black Movie also honors resistance to authoritarianism with Deux procureurs by Ukrainian Sergei Loznitsa, a Cannes prizewinner, followed by a discussion with the filmmaker on January 21. Also notable is Belén by Dolores Fonzi, depicting a historic turn for abortion rights in Argentina, and U Are the Universe by Pavlo Ostrikov, a sci-fi tale about humanity’s solitary survivor.

A Festival for All Ages

Black Movie considers younger audiences with a dedicated children’s section featuring forty films from 34 countries, highlighting diversity, ecology, and acceptance of differences. This includes Planètes by Momoko Seto, a delicate ode to biodiversity. Workshops, cine-concerts, and animations enhance the experience.

The festivities continue into the night: round tables, festive events, and the famous Nuits Blanches at Groove punctuate the week, including the Black 360 queer night hosted by 360° Fever on Saturday, January 17. From dark theaters to dance floors, Black Movie promises a full immersion into cinema that provokes, challenges, and liberates.

Festival Black Movie Geneva 2026 – Official Website

Black Movie on Instagram

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