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Fantasia Opens Refn; Stony Brook Dates; Locarno Picks Du Welz

7/15/2026

33 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Fantasia Film Festival runs July 16-August 2, 2026, opening with Nicolas Winding Refn’s *Her Private Hell*, closing with *Freaks Part II* by Zack Lipovsky and Adam Stein, and awarding Cheval Noir Career Achievement Award to Refn and Takashi Shimizu.
Stony Brook Film Festival runs July 16-25, 2026.
79th Locarno Festival takes place August 5-15, 2026, with juries chaired by Fabrice Du Welz.

History

Historical Context

In 1946 Cannes launched to rival Venice, and by its 8th edition (26 April–10 May 1955) introduced the Palme d’Or, awarding Delbert Mann’s *Marty* while Marcel Pagnol presided over a jury now composed of international film figures. The 1959 creation of the Marché du Film gave Cannes a commercial hub, cementing its role as Europe’s premier launchpad for cinema.

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Story summary

Fantasia Film Festival runs July 16-August 2, 2026, opening with Nicolas Winding Refn’s *Her Private Hell*, closing with *Freaks Part II* by Zack Lipovsky and Adam Stein, and awarding Cheval Noir Career Achievement Award to Refn and Takashi Shimizu.
Stony Brook Film Festival runs July 16-25, 2026.
79th Locarno Festival takes place August 5-15, 2026, with juries chaired by Fabrice Du Welz.

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