TIFF 2026: A Week Where Film, Audience and Nature Moved in Sync

Strong audience numbers

TIFF 2026 recorded a total of 68,795 visits during the festival week. Of these, 62,864 were cinema admissions, marking an increase from an already strong 2025 edition. The festival programme featured 203 films from around the world. Among the most attended titles were SOLOMAMMA, NO OTHER CHOICE and HAMNET, followed by films such as THE LAST PARADISE ON EARTH and THE WATCHMAKER.

The festival was also visible throughout the city beyond the cinemas. The outdoor cinema welcomed 3,500 children during the festival week and became, for many, their first encounter with a film festival.

Film in dialogue with politics and the present

The TIFF 2026 programme made clear thematic choices. A dedicated sidebar exploring fascism and authoritarian movements placed films in dialogue with developments shaping our own time. In collaboration with UiT The Arctic University of Norway, several screenings were followed by discussions that created space for reflection and deeper engagement.

The festival also welcomed a wide range of national and international guests. In collaboration with Montages, TIFF organised Film Talks at Tromsø Library, where filmmakers met audiences for conversations about their films and artistic themes.

Among the participants was Maryam Touzani, director of CALLE MÁLAGA, which received the highest number of audience votes during the festival and won the Audience Award. Director Janicke Askevold and actor Lisa Loven Kongsli also took part in discussions connected to the opening film SOLOMAMMA. These conversations are published as podcasts in the Montages series Filmfrelst, available to listen to here.

Young voices with real influence

As European Youth Capital 2026, youth perspectives were clearly integrated into the festival structure. TIFF launched the Young Curators initiative, where nine young curators actively participated in programme development, introduced films, and remained visible throughout the festival week.

This year’s festival design was also developed in close collaboration with young contributors. TIFF UNG - programmed by youth for youth - presented four films and a talk show that attracted an engaged young audience.

Record year for Films from the North

Films from the North held a central position at TIFF 2026, presenting documentaries, fiction, short films and feature films with strong international relevance. The programme included 16 world premieres and showcased the breadth of Arctic filmmaking, with emerging voices presented alongside established directors. The programme welcomed more than 10,000 attendees, setting a new audience record.

– People have flocked to Films from the North, filling cinemas and creating an incredible atmosphere. The interaction between the films, filmmakers and the TIFF audience is truly unique, and we are proud and grateful for the role we play as a festival in bringing northern films, voices and perspectives to a large audience, says Astrid Aure, Head of Films from the North.

Highlights included MEMOIRS FROM A DREAM by Carl Christian Lein Størmer, a personal and entertaining documentary about the Tromsø band Hangface and their dream of a breakthrough - the visually striking documentary ONCE YOU SHALL BE ONE OF THOSE WHO LIVED LONG AGO, by Per Bifrost and Alexander Rynéus, and TRACKS, a highly political film directed by Jenny Andersen, which also made a strong impression across the city.

Awards

The festival’s main prize, the Aurora Award, was presented to A SAD AND BEAUTIFUL WORLD, by Cyril Aris.

In the Films from the North programme, the Tromsø Palm – Short Film was awarded to BORDERLINE, directed by Johannes Vang, while the Tromsø Palm – Feature Film went to THE GROUND BENEATH OUR FEET, directed by Yrsa Roca Fannberg.

[Read more about all award winners at TIFF 2026]

Spectacular highlights

TIFF 2026 offered more than film screenings. The festival week included concerts, DJs, student screenings and new event concepts. Among the highlights were the silent film concerts STELLA POLARIS, featuring a live performance by Carl Christian Lein Størmer together with Barentsband — musicians from the Norwegian and Swedish hardcore and metal scene — and HÄXAN, performed by Cult Member. Both took place at one of TIFF’s most unique venues: the empty swimming pool at Alfheim.

Until next time

The festival concluded with the Closing Party at Kulturhuset, where audiences, volunteers, guests and industry gathered for a shared celebration — just as the sun returned and the northern lights continued to dance above Tromsø.

Thank you for this year.
We look forward to welcoming you back 18–24 January 2027.