Film News Today — September 21, 2026

The film industry is abuzz with a mix of setbacks and surges, as global events and announcements shape the landscape. The Red Sea Film Festival has made the unexpected decision to cancel its 2026 edition, but has promised to return next year, leaving fans and participants eagerly awaiting its revival. Meanwhile, other film projects and industries are thriving, with new distribution deals and premieres on the horizon.

Peccadillo Pictures has secured a U.K. distribution deal for 'A Teacher's Gift', while Maha Harada's directorial debut 'In My Father's Room' is set to make waves at San Sebastian and Busan. Blue Finch Films has boarded Sean Hogan's 'The Dark Gets In' for worldwide sales, ahead of its Beyond Fest premiere. Mylla Films has also unveiled an exciting slate, including Tobias Forge's 'V/H/S Mixtape' segment and Swedish horror 'Trespassers'. Additionally, the Chile film industry has reported a significant 20.5% surge compared to the previous season, showcasing a promising new catalog of films.

Today's signal:
• Red Sea Film Festival Cancels 2026 Edition, Will Return Next Year (variety.com)
• ‘A Teacher’s Gift’ Lands U.K. Distribution Deal With Peccadillo Pictures (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• Bestselling Japanese Novelist Maha Harada Says ‘If This Is a Dream, I Hope I Never Wake Up’ About Her San Sebastian – and Busan – Bound Directing Debut ‘In My Father’s Room’ (variety.com)
• Sean Hogan’s ‘The Dark Gets In’ Boarded for Worldwide Sales by Blue Finch Films Ahead of Beyond Fest Bow (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• Tobias Forge’s ‘V/H/S Mixtape’ Segment, Swedish Horror ‘Trespassers,’ ‘The End’ by ‘Midsommar’ Production Designer on Mylla Films Slate (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)
• Chile Film Industry Surges 20.5% Compared to Previous Season, New Catalog Reveals (EXCLUSIVE) (variety.com)