Exploring Boundaries: TorinoFilmLab's FeatureLab 2026 Selections
TorinoFilmLab has announced the selection of 10 feature film projects for its FeatureLab development program in 2026. Among the chosen projects is "Unfinished Painting" by Catarina Vasconcelos, a film about a woman battling cancer after dedicating her life to restoring ancient paintings. Another selected project is "Worse Together" by Luis De Filippis, which follows a woman navigating nightlife amidst a breakup she doesn't fully comprehend.
The lineup includes debut films like "Isabel," which tells the story of a soil scientist in Guatemala who discovers her estranged father in a documentary about migrants in the US. The selected projects consist of seven debut films and three second features, involving 10 writer-directors, one co-writer, and 10 producers from various countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
The chosen projects will undergo a development process from June to November 2026, including workshops in Turin, Italy, and an online module in September. The FeatureLab will culminate in TorinoFilmLab's TFL Meeting Event co-production market in late November, where each team will present their project to industry professionals.
The mentors for the program include industry experts like Violeta Bava, Vincenzo Bugno, Chiara Laudani, and others. The selected projects were praised for their daring stories, unique visual styles, and the intersection of personal and political themes, reflecting the complexity of the contemporary world with artistic ambition.
In addition to the FeatureLab, TorinoFilmLab has also chosen two film projects for its Audience Design Fund, which supports the distribution stage of a film through financial backing and audience engagement strategies. The selected projects include "Dancing With Death" by Luis E. Pares and "May You Outlive Us" by Isabelle Mecattaf, exploring different aspects of history and life in their respective contexts.
Overall, the 2026 edition of TorinoFilmLab's FeatureLab program showcases a diverse and innovative lineup of feature film projects, highlighting the creative talents and storytelling abilities of emerging filmmakers from around the world.