Festival
Film i Väst co-production Woman Unknown to compete for the Golden Lion in Venice
2026-07-23
Film i Väst co-production Woman Unknown to compete for the Golden Lion in Venice
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Film i Väst co-productions "Woman Unknown" and "The Girl with the Leica" have been selected for the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. Directed by May el-Toukhy, "Woman Unknown", which was partly filmed in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden, has been selected for the festival's prestigious Official Competition, where it will compete for the Golden Lion. "The Girl with the Leica", directed by Alina Marazzi, will celebrate its world premiere as the opening film of the Orizzonti section.
We congratulate the directors, producers and everyone involved in bringing these films to life. Having Woman Unknown selected for the Official Competition and The Girl with the Leica chosen as the opening film of Orizzonti are significant international recognitions. We are proud to be co-producers of films that will meet audiences at one of the world's most important film festivals.
Kristina Börjeson, Head of Production at Film i Väst.
Woman Unknown. Photo: Andrejs Strokins
Woman Unknown
Official Competition
In "Woman Unknown", the young Marie faces a life-changing decision as she prepares to marry a wealthy older widower. The marriage promises security and a fresh start, but a dark secret from her past threatens to destroy everything. The film is directed by May el-Toukhy, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Maren Louise Kähne. Produced by Mikael Rieks for Nordisk Film Production.
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Woman Unknown
May el-Toukhy
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The Girl With The Leica. Photo: Manuel Alberto Claro © 2026 Vivo film, Komplizen Film, ZDF/ARTE, Eolo film Productions
The Girl with the Leica
Orizzonti – Opening Film and World Premiere
Directed by Alina Marazzi, "The Girl with the Leica" follows legendary war photographer Gerda Taro on her last day in Paris on 14 July 1937. Before returning to the Spanish front, she spends the day with her partner Robert Capa and the friends with whom she fled Nazi Germany. Past and present intertwine in a poignant portrait of Gerda Taro, the first female war photographer to lose her life while covering a war. Produced by Vivo film. Swedish co-producer: Zentropa Sweden.
The 83rd Venice International Film Festival takes place from 2–12 September 2026.
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The Girl with the Leica
Alina Marazzi