10th BCN Film Fest to open with 'Journey to the Land of the Whites'

The 10th edition of the BCN Film Fest will open with 'Journey to the Land of the Whites' and close with 'The Crime on the Third Floor,' organizers announced, as the event prepares a program of around 90 titles.

Directed by Dani Sancho, the opening film is based on the life of Ousman Umar. It tells the story of his journey from Ghana to Europe as a child, in search of a better life, and the struggles he faced along the way to arrive in Barcelona.

Festival director Conxita Casanovas said the film is based on a book that "contains one of those stories they say changes lives."

The closing film, "The Crime on the Third Floor," directed by Rémi Bezançon, is a French production that pays tribute to film noir with elements of comedy. The story follows a couple who believe they have witnessed a murder in a neighboring apartment.

The 2026 edition will feature around 90 titles, including 19 world premieres and 19 Catalan productions. According to Casanovas, the program "offers many perspectives on cinema."

"It is important to defend cinema," she said, adding that film "is more useful than ever and brings light to a very dark world."

Awards and guests

Spanish filmmaker José Luis Garci will receive the festival's honorary award. Garci won an Oscar for 'To Begin Again' and is described by organizers as a key figure in Spanish cinema. 

Montse Triola will receive the Screen International Award for Catalan Producer of the Year, recognizing a career linked to internationally acclaimed and artistically ambitious projects.

Among the confirmed guests is Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour, who will present her latest work 'Unidentified.' The lineup also includes actor Willem Dafoe, director Fatih Akin, and stage and film director Damiano Michieletto.

The Spanish band Hombres G will also attend, stars of the documentary 'The Best Days of our Lives.'

As the festival marks its 10th edition with an expanded and diverse lineup, organizers expect to surpass last year's 24,000 spectators.

The BCN Film Fest will take place from April 16 to 24 in Barcelona.

The whole program can be found here.