A spirit of celebration and unity reigned over the Opening Ceremony of the 40th edition of the Fribourg International Film Festival (FIFF) on Friday 20th March 2026. Following speeches highlighting the importance of FIFF as a space for human connection and dialogue, the first of the 114 films on the programme, A Sad and Beautiful World, was shown in the presence of the film's director. This Lebanese feature, whose title succinctly captures the state of global affairs, will be re-screened on Saturday 21st March. FIFF's anniversary edition, which is already breaking records, will serve up a stimulating, passionate and celebratory programme of films and events from 20th to 29th March in Fribourg.
“Cinema that opens your eyes”: the five words revealed by this year's flower-themed visuals during the Opening Ceremony of FIFF 2026. These symbols of diversity and togetherness welcomed the audience to an anniversary edition where celebration and reminiscence will be the order of the day. Part of the Festival's trip down memory lane is “Love Letters to FIFF”, which were screened between each of the four opening speeches. In these video messages sent from as far afield as Colorado, Kyrgyzstan, Iran and Madagascar, famous visitors to Fribourg talk about their fond memories of FIFF and the impact that the Festival has had on their careers. The artistic direction has turned the 86 clips into a film, which will be shown on a loop at the Arena cineplex (Screen 2) for the duration of the Festival. Admission is free.
The president of the Association FIFF, Mathieu Fleury, was delighted to open another high-energy and exciting edition, just like the Nomad Wood Nest, the Festival’s new hub: “It perfectly reflects what FIFF gives us: a voyage of discovery by simply opening our eyes; a deep connection with the multifaceted region of Fribourg; and finally, a nest, a safe place, a haven of peace to meet, share and celebrate.” Philippe Demierre, President of the Fribourg Cantonal Government, also highlighted “FIFF’s local roots and international reach”, and the 10-day interlude of empathy and joy it offers. “In an era marked by violence-ridden images, words and actions, the Festival affords us a few days where we can become part of an engaged, warm, multicultural, respectful, humanistic and open-minded community again.”
Elisabeth Baume-Schneider, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA), likewise stressed the importance of the Festival and of cultural production in general, especially at a time when the willingness to listen and feelings of hope are in short supply. "It is imperative that the voices of artists are able to break through the deafening noise and troubling actions of our world. A strong arts and culture scene is more necessary than ever. Here, spaces like FIFF play their full part by sharing films that make us see the world differently and remind us that amidst the chaos, there are deeply human stories that transcend our fates and give us hope.”
Thierry Jobin, the Festival’s artistic director, also spoke of the necessity and uniqueness of FIFF as a shared space that sparks human connection and emotion, “It is a place where people with differing opinions unite around a mutual appreciation of cinema and exchange ideas in a positive and peaceful environment. We all know that a space like this is needed more than ever, both in the real world and on social media." The artistic director then invited Cyril Aris, the director of the opening film A Sad and Beautiful World to join him on stage. FIFF is proud to host the Swiss Premiere of this poignant Lebanese production, which took the Venice Film Festival by storm in 2025. It will be screened again on Saturday 21st March at 1.00 pm and 4.30 pm, with the director and the lead actress Mounia Akl, in attendance on both occasions.
Even before the Opening Ceremony got under way, the signs were already there that the 40th edition would be a huge success. Record-breaking advance ticket sales and bookings for the schools' programme once again prove the public's attachment to and confidence in the Festival. From 20th to 29th March, Fribourg will provide the backdrop to a great line-up that includes the entries in the international feature and short film competitions, a showcase of on-screen mothers, contemporary Colombian cinema, the favourite films of Kaouther Ben Hania – the inaugural winner of the Fribourg Cinema Award – as well as retrospectives, nocturnal spine-tinglers, and family-friendly movies.
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