Glasgow Film Festival reveals first titles for 2026
Scotland's biggest film festival has confirmed its highly anticipated Retrospective Programme, which gives audiences the chance to catch classic films back on the big screen for free.
Article Source: Glasgow Film Festival
Last Updated: 11 November 2025 10:36
Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) has announced the first films for its 2026 edition, taking place from 25 February to 8 March. Scotland’s biggest film festival has confirmed its highly anticipated Retrospective Programme, which gives audiences the chance to catch classic films back on the big screen for free, as well as its Country Focus theme.
GFF26’s retrospective theme is ‘Truth to Power’, featuring 10 classics from the 1930s to the present day that stand as cinematic statements of resistance, or feature characters that rise against the machines of power. Highlights from the programme include Kubrick-directed satire Dr Strangelove (1964), where military blunders push the world towards nuclear annihilation, featuring comic genius Peter Sellers; Oscar-nominated civil rights epic Selma (2014) from director Ava DuVernay, which chronicles Dr Martin Luther King Jr's 1965 marches to secure equal voting rights; and the 50th anniversary of major political thriller All the President’s Men (1976), following the journalists who famously broke the Watergate scandal, starring and produced by the late great Robert Redford.
The lineup will also include biographical drama In the Name of the Father (1993), starring Daniel Day-Lewis as an Irishman wrongfully convicted of terrorism who fights to clear his name and free his family; Steven Soderbergh’s dynamic crowd-pleaser Erin Brockovich (2000), which stars Julia Roberts in an Oscar-winning role as a law assistant fighting for justice for a small town devastated by industrial pollution; and Italian-Algerian war film The Battle of Algiers (1966), a recreation of Algeria's 1950s battle for independence from the French government.
To attend the free retrospective screenings, there is no need to pre-book; simply come along to GFT for 10.30am each day during the festival, pick up a free ticket and enjoy the film! Films shown within the Retrospective Programme may be subject to change.
GFF26 will be the 22nd edition of the festival and will spotlight films from Sweden, with the Country Focus theme ‘Take a Chance on Me: Swedish Cinema’. A hand-picked selection will be showcased at the award-winning festival, including UK premieres of political satire Eagles of the Republic about an adored Egyptian actor who takes the lead role in a major government propaganda film; slick horror The Home where strange events unfold after the protagonist takes his mother into a care facility for dementia; and sci-fi Egghead Republic set in an alternative reality where the Cold War didn’t end.
The UK premiere of female-directed drama Live a Little, which follows a young woman’s exploration of her boundaries on an interrailing trip after she wakes up in a man’s bed with no memory of the night before; and the Scottish premiere of the unique and visually stunning Redoubt, about a farmhand who builds a fortress in his home during the Cold War, are also announced today.
Tickets for the Country Focus titles will go on sale with the full GFF26 programme in January.
The festival also revealed a first glimpse of its new brand today, built on GFF’s belief that films are best experienced together, and that Glasgow is the home for all film lovers – be they cinephiles or casual moviegoers, filmmakers or film enthusiasts. GFF is an international celebration of film known for supporting and championing new voices alongside showcasing the best new titles before their general release. GFF’s new brand, by Glasgow-based creative studio Tangent, will fully roll out over the coming months and reflects the festival’s position as Scotland’s biggest and friendliest gathering for film.
Paul Gallagher, Head of Programme for Glasgow Film, said: “The idea for this year’s retrospective began as I reflected on the legacy and influence of the late Robert Redford. With his classic All the President’s Men serving as a starting point, ‘Truth to Power’ focuses on filmmakers who have taken on daunting targets – power, corruption and injustice – and created all-time classic films in the process; films that are not only hugely entertaining but retain sharp relevance to this day.”
GFF is Scotland’s flagship film festival and is run by Glasgow Film, a charity which also operates Glasgow Film Theatre. Glasgow Film Festival is made possible by support from Screen Scotland, awarding National Lottery funding, and Glasgow Life.
GFF25 welcomed a host of huge film stars to the city, including James McAvoy, Toni Colette, Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, and Tim Roth.
The full GFF26 programme will be announced on Wednesday 21 January.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Glasgow Fort joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas
Glasgow Fort has teamed up with local charities to help raise awareness of the support they can provide to people of all ages experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation at Christmas.
READ MORE
The Tron Theatre announced new season for 2026
Tron Theatre is delighted to announce its brand-new season of work for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
This weekend Glasgow shoppers can win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift
This Sunday visitors to VEGA's Christmas Market have the chance to “unwrap the city” and win the ultimate Glasgow Christmas gift worth over £1,000!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries welcomes two new stores for the festive season
City centre shopping destination Buchanan Galleries has expanded its retail line-up this December with the arrival of two new stores, offering visitors even more choice in the run-up to Christmas.
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival supports 50 next generation filmmakers across three star studded talent labs
Lab mentors and partners include Oscar-winning and nominated directors, leading animation studios, and executives from Netflix, BFI, Aardman, and Curzon.
READ MORE
Caledonia Gladiators launches most exclusive seat in Scottish sport in aid of GCH Charity
Scotland's basketball franchise Caledonia Gladiators has launched a unique new VIP experience – thought to be the most exclusive sporting seat in the country – in aid of charity.
READ MORE
Shipbuilding heritage, tall tales & Scottish cuisine make a tasty tune
Since launching in 2019, the Shipyard Bards, Tall Tales and Dinner events held at Glasgow's Mharsanta restaurant have repeatedly sold out.
READ MORE
Dr. Gillian Shirreffs Book Signing for Elephant at Waterstones Byres Road
Gillian Shirreffs has raised over £30,000 for charity through her writing, and she'll be signing copies of Elephant on Saturday 13th December at Waterstones Byres Road.
READ MORE
Silverburn unwraps a festive December of entertainment
Silverburn, Glasgow's leading retail and leisure destination, has unveiled a packed diary full of events this December, as guests get ready for Christmas.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections brought surprise morning gigs to coffee shops across Glasgow at the weekend
Celtic Connections surprised Saturday morning coffee goers with live pop-up gigs across Glasgow, bringing emerging artists into unexpected spaces.
READ MORE
Panto Pays: festive theatre season delivers economic boost
As part of Glasgow 850's Get You In Panto Town celebration, new figures reveal the significant economic contribution of Glasgow's beloved pantomime season to the city's economy.
READ MORE
Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
The oldest bar and restaurant in Glasgow unveils spectacular makeover
Sloans, has unveiled a spectacular festive transformation following a £300,000 investment that has reinvented the 228-year-old venue inside and out.
READ MORE
Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue
There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.
READ MORE
Is Glasgow Green Santa the coolest in the UK
Some visitors reckon that Santa's cousin who is currently in residence at Winter Wonderland at Glasgow Green is the coolest of Santas.
READ MORE
Toys the season to be Jolly! Kids in Glasgow can win the entire DreamToys list this Christmas
Children in Glasgow are in for a festive treat this year, as a number of local retailers have announced they will be giving away all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Trust calls for the home of Scottish football to be saved from an own goal
National Trust for Scotland has added its voice to those seeking assurances about the preservation of the first ever Hampden Park in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Cocktails and Champagne at new Luss Distillery
The newly opened Luss Distillery has announced its first events ahead of the festive season.
READ MORE
Glasgow shoppers slow down for a calmer Black Friday at The Social Hub
Glasgow shoppers embraced “slow shopping” as The Social Hub hosted its Rethink Black Friday market, offering a calm alternative that spotlighted local makers.
READ MORE
Tis the season: Meet Home Alone inspired characters at Glasgow Fort
Christmas is in full swing at Glasgow Fort, with festive character visits, the Christmas market and family activities now underway to help get shoppers of all ages into the festive spirit.
READ MORE
Family run Jackton Distillery unveils bumper festive programme for 2025
Jackton Distillery, the family run Lowland distillery behind the RAER whisky, spirits and wine portfolio, has announced a packed Christmas calendar for December 2025.
READ MORE
First Scottish KENJI store now open at Silverburn
East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand KENJI has opened the doors to its first Scottish store as it joins the impressive brand lineup at Silverburn.
READ MORE
Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Festive fun on the farm at the National Museum of Rural Life
Celebrate the season with festive fun for the whole family at the National Museum of Rural Life.
READ MORE
Braehead celebrates bright young business stars this Christmas
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
Breakout Scots star urges young people to discover new artists IRL at Celtic Connections coffee pop ups
Katie Gregson-MacLeod is urging young Glaswegians to discover new music IRL as Celtic Connections brings free pop-up gigs to Patricia's x SLB, Through The House and Black Pine this Saturday.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Calum Bowie gives Barrowland call up to 2 rising stars for landmark 5th December show
Calum Bowie has invited two fresh local talents to support him at his upcoming landmark show in December at The Barrowlands!
READ MORE
Partick Film Festival returns in January with special anniversary screening of Rob Roy
Partick Film Festival returns in January with a range of events including a special 30th anniversary screening of Rob Roy, followed by a Q&A with the director Michael Caton-Jones.
READ MORE
Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience
This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links