The Venice Film Festival’s independent sidebar, known as Venice Days or Giornate Degli Autori, has announced its lineup for 2026. The selection includes works by female directors and films exploring the female experience. The opening film will be Hungarian filmmaker Lili Horvát’s first English-language feature, “My Notes on Mars,” starring Mackenzie Davis and Rupert Friend. Other notable actors appearing in the lineup include Mia Wasikowska and Catherine Deneuve. The section aims to highlight diverse perspectives, with a focus on stories centered around women. The full program was revealed on Wednesday and features a richly assorted array of independent films. Venice Days runs parallel to the main festival and is known for showcasing emerging talent and bold storytelling. Details on the rest of the lineup have not been fully disclosed, but the announced titles already signal a strong female presence both in front of and behind the camera.