The fall film festival season is upon us, and with it comes a wave of highly anticipated premieres. While we’ve already highlighted the 50 must-see films confirmed for theatrical release this fall, our focus now shifts to the festival-bound titles that are yet to secure distribution or a confirmed release date. Across the prestigious Venice Film FestivalToronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and New York Film Festival (NYFF) we’ve curated a list of 20 films that are generating significant buzz.
These films represent a diverse range of genres and styles, from thought-provoking documentaries to avant-garde narratives. As these movies make their debut over the coming weeks, we’ll be providing in-depth reviews and updates on their potential theatrical releases. Stay tuned by subscribing to our daily newsletter.
The Zellner Brothers Return with Alpha Gang
The Zellner brothers known for their critically acclaimed film Sasquatch Sunset are back with Alpha Gang set to premiere at TIFF. This sci-fi comedy follows a group of aliens who must grapple with human emotions before they can conquer Earth. The film promises a blend of the Zellners’ signature absurdist humor and extraterrestrial themes. The ensemble cast includes Léa SeydouxDave BautistaLily-Rose Depp and Cate Blanchett.
Lauren Miller Rogen’s Babies Takes on Parenting Chaos
Lauren Miller Rogen‘s sophomore feature, Babies boasts an impressive cast including Anna KendrickSharon StoneSeth Rogen and Kate Berlant. The film explores the comedic chaos that ensues when a couple invites a recently divorced friend and her toddler to move in. With a crew that includes Moonlight editor Joi McMillon and Saw production designer Julie Berghoff this film is poised to be a standout in the fall festival lineup.
Takashi Miike’s Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo Joins the Series
The Bad Lieutenant series continues its global journey with Takashi Miike‘s Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo premiering at TIFF. Starring Shun Oguri and featuring Lily James this installment promises the eccentric and gonzo sensibilities that Miike is known for. Following the series’ tradition of eccentric filmmakers, this film is highly anticipated by fans of the series.
Werner Herzog’s Bucking Fastard: A Decades-Long Vision
Werner Herzog returns to narrative filmmaking with Bucking Fastard his first since 2019. Starring Kate Mara and Rooney Mara as synchronously speaking sisters, the film is inspired by real-life events. Originally invited to Cannes but declined, the film will now premiere in competition at Venice. Based on early clips, it promises to be as weird and captivating as we’ve come to expect from Herzog.
Burgundy: A Visual Exploration of Wine Culture
Directors Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw known for their visually exquisite documentaries The Truffle Hunters and Gaucho Gaucho return with Burgundy. This film explores the wine culture of the Burgundy region in France and is set to premiere at Venice. Expect another gorgeous and insightful look into the customs and traditions of this insular world.
The Echo Chamber: Bernardo Bertolucci’s Final Screenplay
Eight years after the passing of Bernardo Bertolucci Italian director Andrea Pallaoro brings the legend’s final screenplay to life with The Echo Chamber. Starring Alicia VikanderLuca Marinelli and Susan Sarandon the film explores themes of love and life. Pallaoro, known for his sleeper hit Monica marks his first collaboration with Bertolucci’s original co-scribes.
Edward Said: Between Worlds – A Personal Portrait
Maiken Baird‘s archival documentary Edward Said: Between Worlds offers a personal and insightful portrait of the Palestinian-American academic and activist. As the genocide inflicted on Palestinians continues, this film provides a comprehensive history of the community’s culture, history, and plight through Said’s perspective.
The Face of Horror: Anna Biller’s Long-Awaited Return
Anna Biller known for her unique and idiosyncratic filmmaking style, returns with The Face of Horror. This medieval ghost story, billed as a gory tribute to classic Technicolor horror films, follows a woman seeking revenge on her husband. Fans of Biller’s previous work, such as The Love Witch have eagerly awaited this film for years.
Heil Jupiter! – Carlos Reygadas’ Existential Drama
Carlos Reygadas known for his spiritual and existential filmmaking, presents Heil Jupiter! at NYFF. This 2.5-hour drama follows two couples and an omniscient entity that watches and judges. Reygadas’ philosophical approach promises a thought-provoking exploration of perception and reality.
I Deserve a Lover Whose Every Rise Sets Fiery Dooms Raging Across the Skies – A Poetic Masterpiece
Mani Haghighi‘s latest film, with a title that wins the Best Title award for this year’s festivals, premieres in the NYFF Main Slate. Tracking the artistic pursuits of partners Nasser Bakhsh and Roghayeh Najdidi this film is sure to captivate fans of poetic and radically riveting filmmaking.
Joy of Joys: Jonathan Glazer’s First Documentary
Jonathan Glazer known for his works like Under the Skin and The Zone of Interest ventures into documentary filmmaking with Joy of Joys. This 38-minute, music-filled exploration follows the making of a 2026 charity album from War Child Records which aids children in conflict zones around the world. Glazer’s unique perspective promises an intriguing juxtaposition of exuberance and sobering realities.
The Julia Set: A Mathematical Thriller
Niki Byrne‘s debut feature, The Julia Set follows someone training to take on the world’s most challenging math competition. Starring Chase Infiniti along with Gillian AndersonJason Isaacs and Nina Hoss this film brings the intensity of Whiplash to the world of mathematics.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney: Absurdist Comedy Returns
Matthew Rankin known for his absurdist comedy, returns to TIFF with Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney. This documentary focuses on the Canadian Prime Minister from 1984-1993, featuring a collage format using a collection of media. Rankin’s unique perspective on Canadian history promises another captivating entry.
Let Us Through, Dear Ancestors: Lav Diaz’s Historical Epic
Lav Diaz known for his slow-cinema style, presents Let Us Through, Dear Ancestors at Venice. Set in 1617, this film focuses on the tyrannical imperial rule of Spanish friar Father Enciso in the Philippines. Starring Isabel Sandoval as an animist female healer, this historical epic promises a powerful exploration of Filipino history.
The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd: Tim Blake Nelson’s Return
Tim Blake Nelson known for his dark and subversive filmmaking, returns with The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd. Starring Amanda Seyfried and Scott McNairy this film follows an abused woman who falls for an inmate in the prison where she works. Nelson’s unique style promises a thought-provoking and button-pushing narrative.
Life of Jorge Luis Borges: A Cinematic Journey
Mariano Llinás turns to his native Argentina’s most acclaimed writer, Jorge Luis Borges with Life of Jorge Luis Borges. This 330-minute film narrates Borges’ biography through objects and places, spanning multiple continents and cinematic forms. Llinás’ unique approach promises a captivating journey for those willing to invest the time.
NAZA: A Vital Documentary on Palestinian Lives
Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor known for their vital documentary No Other Land return with NAZA. Shot at night on the rooftops of Tel Aviv, this film details the systems behind Israel’s calculated mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Backed by Jonathan Glazer this documentary promises to be one of the most essential of the year.
A Statement: Tom McCarthy’s Ethical Debate
Tom McCarthy known for his Best Picture-winning film Spotlight returns with A Statement. Starring Paul RuddAmy Ryan and Paul Giamatti this film explores the ethical debate surrounding the 1980 presidential election and the threat of global warming. McCarthy’s painstaking excavation of ethical debate promises to make the past feel urgently present.
Too Much Sugar: Robert Greene’s Collaborative Documentary
Robert Greene returns with Too Much Sugar an exercise in collaboration. Working with subjects Ryan Holliger and AccRite Greene explores working-class America through the lens of a spread-thin father and hopeful rapper. This documentary promises a unique and collaborative approach to storytelling.
What Can’t Be Mentioned: Dan Sallitt’s Unique Style
Dan Sallitt known for his unique and particular style, presents What Can’t Be Mentioned. This sequel to his 2012 film The Unspeakable Act follows siblings contending with incestuous desire. Starring Tallie Medel and Sky Hirschkron this film promises a thought-provoking exploration of complex relationships.
