From Sandra Hüller to Iddo Tako: The 2026 LGBTQ Film Festival Program Revealed

The Tel Aviv International LGBTQ Film Festival (TLVFest) has unveiled its 2026 program, set to take place from October 22 to 31 at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque. The festival, marking 21 years of activity, will be held for the first time under new artistic direction led by Gili Porat. The program includes award-winning international films alongside Israeli productions, including the premiere of a film by Yuval Hadadi.

The Tel Aviv International LGBTQ Film Festival (TLVFest) revealed its 2026 program this morning (Wednesday). The festival will take place from October 22 to 31 at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque, marking 21 years of activity. For the first time, the festival will be produced under new artistic direction led by Gili Porat and produced by Yael Lavi, following the departure of founder and outgoing artistic director Yair Hochner. The international program includes award-winning films from prominent festivals worldwide: "Rose" by Markus Schleinzer, which earned Sandra Hüller the Silver Bear in Berlin and was selected to represent Austria at the 2027 Oscars; "The World of Gugu," Brazil's Oscar entry and winner of the Crystal Bear; and Teddy Award winners "Ivan and the Dog" and "The Trial of Hein." In the feature film category, films from Cannes will be screened, including "Roma Elastica" by Bertrand Mandico starring Marion Cotillard. The Israeli section will include the premiere of "A Man Walking Down the Street" directed by Yuval Hadadi, as well as "Ve'ahavta" by the late director Nitzan Gilady, and "Independence" by Moshe Rosenthal (Ophir Award winner). The documentary program will feature socio-political films, including "Masculinity" on male genital surgery and "What's Up, Extremists!" on LGBTQ refugees from Russia. Special events will include a film print screening of "Bound" by the Wachowskis to mark its 30th anniversary. The festival is produced by the Tel Aviv Cinematheque with support from the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality and the Ministry of Culture.