Locarno Film Festival 2026: Palestine, Iran and Gaza's genocide continue to dominate debate

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The 79th iteration of the iconic festival took place in Switzerland between 5 and 15 August For the film festival circuit, this was supposed to be the year when Gaza and the Middle East faded into the background. Since 7 October, Gaza has been the dominant subject at major film festivals, rocking Berlin, dominating Venice, and making headlines in Toronto, Cannes and beyond. Switzerland’s Locarno has been among the most hospitable fairs to the Palestinian cause and to Middle Eastern voices. Pales