The festival will open with the exclusive world premiere of Leonardo Pieraccioni's Un Weekend Artificiale, setting the stage for a programme celebrating comedy in all its forms. This year's international jury will be chaired by Italian director and screenwriter Fausto Brizzi, known for successful comedies including Notte prima degli esami, Ex and Maschi contro femmine. Joining him are French actor Paul Belmondo, actress and television presenter Vanessa Incontrada, and actress and director Yvonne Sciò.
Several filmmakers and performers will attend the screenings, including directors Niccolò Gentili, presenting Dov'è la fiesta, and Gianni Zanasi, introducing È andata così. Spanish screenwriter Borja Cobeaga will represent Altas Capacidades, while actress Judit Martín will attend with Pizza Movie.The highlight of the festival will be the Awards Gala on Saturday, November 14, hosted by Ezio Greggio at the Grimaldi Forum.
French filmmaker Luc Besson, whose internationally acclaimed works include Léon, Nikita, The Fifth Element and Dogman, will receive the prestigious MCFF Legend Award in recognition of his contribution to international cinema.
Italian actor and director Sergio Castellitto will be honoured with the 2026 MCFF Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating a career spanning comedy and drama, with performances in films such as Caterina va in città, Non ti muovere and Concorrenza sleale.
Vanessa Incontrada will receive an MCFF Award for her achievements in film and television, while jury president Fausto Brizzi will be presented with the MCFF Special Comedy Award.
