Glasgow Film Festival Announces Exciting 2026 Lineup Featuring James McAvoy’s ‘California Schemin’, Charlie XCX’s ‘Erupcja’, and Scottish Film ‘Molly Vs The Machines’
The Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) has announced the full lineup for its 22nd edition, featuring 16 world, European, and international premieres, alongside 68 UK premieres. Notable among these is the world premiere of Molly Vs The Machines, directed by Marc Silver.
This Scottish film tells the poignant story of Molly Russell, a British teenager whose tragic suicide in 2017 was influenced by social media, and her father’s subsequent quest for truth regarding her death. The film will be released theatrically in the UK by Cosmic Cat.
Kicking off the festival on February 25 will be the UK premiere of Everybody to Kenmure Street, a documentary by BAFTA-winning director Felipe Bustos Sierra. Executive produced by Emma Thompson, the film highlights a significant act of civil resistance in Scotland’s recent history.
The festival will conclude with James McAvoy’s directorial debut, California Schemin, which recounts the unlikely tale of two Scottish rappers who deceived the music industry by posing as a well-known Californian duo.
In a competitive edge, ten UK premieres from first- and second-time directors will vie for GFF’s Audience Award. Among the contenders are Hailey Gates’ Atropia, James J. Robinson’s First Light, and Isabel Hagan’s On A String.
The lineup also includes 16 world, European, and international premieres, such as Effi O Blaenau by Marc Evans, Sinsin and the Mouse, and the psychosexual fairy tale Steal Away.
This year’s festival will also showcase UK premieres of significant films, including Couture featuring Angelina Jolie, Erupcja with Charlie XCX in her film debut, as well as One Last Deal starring Danny Dyer. The roster further includes Late Fame and The Birthday Party, both featuring Willem Dafoe.
Additionally, GFF will celebrate the life and work of Marilyn Monroe, commemorating 100 years since the release of her films Some Like It Hot and The Asphalt Jungle.
This edition marks Paul Gallagher’s inaugural year as Head of Program, collaborating with Program Manager Chris Kumar and a team of Program Advisors, including Sam Fraser, Lauren Clarke, Heather Bradshaw, and Neha Apsara.
The Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT) will serve as the festival’s central venue, alongside screenings at Odeon Luxe Glasgow Quay and various special events throughout the city.
The Glasgow Film Festival is scheduled to take place from February 25 to March 8, 2026.
GFT 2026 World Premiere & Audience Award Lineup
World Premieres
Bone Keeper (dir. Howard J. Ford)
Bury The Dead (dir. Adam O’Brien)
Deathkeeper (dir. Tristan Barr)
Effi o Blaenau (dir. Marc Evans)
Jailbroken (dir. Vasily Chuprina)
Molly Vs The Machines (dir. Marc Silver)
Red Riding (dir. Craig Conway)
Psalms Of The People (dir. Jack Archer)
Sinsin and the Mouse (dir. Yukinori Makabe)
The Trick (dirs. Matt Fish & Chris Baker)
Welcome to G-Town (dirs. Ben McQuaid & Nathan McQuaid)
Audience Award
Live A Little (dir. Fanny Ovesen)
Atropia (dir. Hailey Gates)
Bouchra (dirs. Orian Barki & Meriem Bennani)
First Light (dir. James J. Robinson)
The Last One For The Road (dir. Francesco Sossai)
Nino (dir. Pauline Loques)
On A String (dir. Isabel Hagan)
Rebuilding (dir. Max Walker-Silverman)
A Place For Her (dir. Mélisa Godet)
Pasa Faho (dir. Kalu Oji)
