Cannes: ACID Unveils 2026 Lineup of Nine “Adventurous” Films, Featuring Two Iranian Directors

ACID, the Cannes Film Festival sidebar organized by France’s association of film directors, has announced its 2026 lineup. General delegate Pauline Ginot revealed that the selection includes nine “adventurous” and “bold” films from emerging talents hailing from countries such as Iran, Switzerland, and France. This announcement was made on Tuesday, highlighting ACID’s commitment to promoting the theatrical distribution of independent films.

ACID’s Legacy of Discovering New Talent

Since its inception in 1992, ACID has established a reputation for uncovering promising directing talents. The program has previously showcased the debut features of notable filmmakers, including Justine Triet, who premiered Age of Panic at Cannes, and Radu Jude, who presented The Happiest Girl in the World in 2009. Kaouther Ben Hania, known for The Voice of Hind Rajab, also screened her feature debut, The Blade of Tunis, at ACID in 2014. The initiative has supported early works by directors like Guy Maddin, including My Winnipeg.

This year, over 600 films were submitted for consideration in the ACID program. Ginot noted that the selection committee reviewed all submissions and is currently notifying filmmakers about their application status. She emphasized the importance of providing feedback, stating that filmmakers often appreciate knowing their work was viewed and considered.

The Challenge of Selection

As in previous years, the selection process was highly competitive. Ginot acknowledged that many deserving films could not be included in the lineup but expressed confidence that these works would find opportunities elsewhere. She stated, “We had to leave a lot of really good films out, but I’m pretty much sure they will find a place.”

Ginot also highlighted ACID’s adventurous spirit, explaining that the collective aims to support independent filmmakers willing to take risks. She remarked that even films that may not be perfect can showcase the potential of their creators. “There is no second or third movie if there is no first one, even if that first one is not a perfect one,” she added.

Diverse Themes and Voices

This year’s lineup features two films from Iranian-born directors and includes two documentaries, showcasing a variety of themes and topics. The programming committee comprises 13 filmmakers, including Valérie Bert, Anne Colson, Sylvain George, and others.

The films selected for the 2026 ACID lineup include:

A Secret Heart (Cœur Secret) by Tom Fontenille

Duration: 85 Min – France – 2026
This documentary follows Lilou, a 64-year-old woman who has left her secret life behind. The film captures her transformation and the healing of her family.

Blaise by Dimitri Planchon & Jean-Paul Guigue

Duration: 82 Min – France – 2026
This animated feature tells the story of the Sauvage family, focusing on their quest for love and acceptance while addressing contemporary themes such as consent and class struggles.

Born Under a Bad Star (Mauvaise Étoile) by Lola Cambourieu & Yann Berlier

Duration: 125 Min – France – 2026
Set during a scorching summer in Southern France, this film depicts the chaos of an end-of-year sports club party amidst wildfires and personal turmoil.

Dans La Gueule De L’ogre by Mahsa Karampour

Duration: 86 Min – France – 2026
This narrative explores the lives of two brothers navigating their identities while living far from their native Iran.

Detention (La Détention) by Guillaume Massart

Duration: 132 Min – France – 2026
The film provides an inside look at France’s prison officer academy, reflecting on the training of future prison guards.

Living Twice, Dying Thrice by Karim Lakzadeh

Duration: 103 Min – Iran – 2026
This film follows three miners who fake their deaths to secure insurance money for their families, leading to a series of crises.

Promised Spaces by Ivan Marković

Duration: 76 Min – France, Germany, Serbia, Cambodia – 2026
This narrative explores the lives of construction workers in Cambodia, highlighting the intersection of urban development and social class.

Rewind Barcelona (Barça Zou) by Paul Nouhet

Duration: 85 Min – France – 2026
The film reflects on childhood memories as four friends reunite ten years after their first vacation in Barcelona.

Summer Drift (Virages) by Céline Carridroit & Aline Suter

Duration: 89 Min – Switzerland, France – 2026
This story follows Johanna, who works in a luxury watch factory and confronts her past while reviving her old VW Beetle.

Conclusion

The 2026 ACID lineup showcases a diverse array of films that promise to challenge and engage audiences. With its focus on emerging voices and bold storytelling, ACID continues to play a vital role in the promotion of independent cinema.

For more details on the lineup, visit Hollywood Reporter.

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Published on 2026-04-14 11:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk