The Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) announced the complete lineup for its 22nd edition, running from February 25 to March 8 in Scotland, highlighting the much-anticipated appearance of Angelina Jolie in the high-fashion film Couture. Alongside Jolie, the festival will showcase works starring Jude Law, Willem Dafoe, Marilyn Monroe in tribute, and other prominent actors, with a special focus on 13 Scottish productions. Organizers revealed the event will honor Marilyn Monroe’s centennial through a series of her classic films displayed on the big screen.
Premieres and Scottish Cinema Take Center Stage
This year’s festival features 126 films, including 16 world, European, and international premieres, as well as 68 U.K. and 18 Scottish premieres from 44 countries. The festival opens with the U.K. premiere of Everybody to Kenmure Street, a documentary executive produced by Emma Thompson and directed by Felipe Bustos Sierra, and will close with James McAvoy’s directorial debut, California Schemin’, both shot in Glasgow. These choices emphasize the festival’s commitment to promoting Scottish cinema on an international stage.
Notable Films and Cast Members at GFF 2026
Among the U.K. premieres are several films featuring well-known actors, such as Rebuilding with Josh O’Connor; Couture starring Angelina Jolie; the relationship drama Erupcja, headlined by Charli XCX; and the political thriller The Wizard of the Kremlin, which includes Jude Law, Paul Dano, and Alicia Vikander. Willem Dafoe stars in two premieres, Late Fame and The Birthday Party. Scottish premieres include Jim Jarmusch’s Venice Golden Lion-winning film Father Mother Sister Brother with Adam Driver and Cate Blanchett, the mysterious drama Rose of Nevada featuring George MacKay and Callum Turner, as well as the dark thriller The Good Boy starring Andrea Riseborough and Stephen Graham.
Focus on Scottish Stories and Languages
Scottish films in the program showcase local talent and storytelling, including the world premiere of Molly vs The Machines, described as
“the story of a heartbroken father’s quest to uncover the truth behind his daughter’s death,”
and the U.K. premieres of the dark comedy The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford with Peter Mullan, alongside Midwinter Break, written by Bernard MacLaverty and starring Ciarán Hinds and Lesley Manville. The festival also highlights linguistic diversity, featuring 50 non-English language films in 44 languages, including the world premiere of Sailm nan Daoine (Psalms of the People), a documentary by Jack Archer about Scotland’s Gaelic psalm singing tradition.
Marilyn Monroe’s Centennial Celebration at Glasgow Festival
To commemorate 100 years since Marilyn Monroe’s birth, the GFF will screen several of her most memorable films, such as the 1950 noir classic The Asphalt Jungle, the 1959 crime comedy Some Like It Hot, and the 1953 musical comedy Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. This retrospective forms part of the festival’s dedication to celebrating legendary figures in film history, enhancing the event’s cultural richness and appeal.
New Leadership and the Festival’s Broader Impact
The 2026 edition marks Paul Gallagher’s first year as head of programming, guiding a diverse, global selection of films that highlight rising talent and established stars alike. By combining international cinema with a strong representation of Scottish voices and stories, the Glasgow Film Festival continues to solidify its reputation as a prominent cultural event in Europe’s film circuit. The festival’s embrace of multiple languages and premieres supports its role in broadening cinematic horizons, while star-driven films featuring Angelina Jolie and others are expected to draw wider audiences and media attention.
