DUBAI: The 2026 edition of the Cannes Film Festival, returning for its 79th year, has unveiled its official selection, including the sought-after Competition lineup, the popular Un Certain Regard sidebar and other sections of the program — with three films backed by Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film initiative making the cut.
Making it to the official Competition line-up is “Parallel Tales” by Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi. A remake of the late Krzysztof Kieslowski’s “Dekalog VI,” the film stars Isabelle Huppert, Virginie Efira, Vincent Cassel, Pierre Niney, Adam Bessa and Catherine Deneuve.
In the Un Certain Regard section, we find “Yesterday the Eye Didn’t Sleep” by German-born Palestinian filmmaker Rakan Mayasi and “Benimana” by Rwandan director Marie-Clementine Dusabejambo.
Last week, Cannes revealed that its 2026 edition would open with Pierre Salvadori’s 1920s-set “La Venus electrique” (“The Electric Kiss”) on May 12, following the opening ceremony hosted by actress Eye Haidara. It also unveiled the world premiere of John Travolta’s directorial debut, “Propeller One-Way Night Coach,” in the Cannes Premiere Selection.
