Programmers' Picks: Beth Barrett on SIFF 2026

Beth Barrett

Barbara Forever

Barbara Hammer’s work is iconic, but even more iconic? Barbara Hammer herself - a beacon for queer artists everywhere.

Birds of War

In the middle of revolution, war and exile, two journalists find romance as they connect through text and video calls over 13 years. Truly emotional and immersive, as devastating as it is uplifting.

The Friend's House is Here

An unexpected discovery - the underground theatre and dance scene in Tehran comes to life in this authentic indie.

Hen

In a true Festival film, György Pálfi returns with a tale of a hen in peril, who just wants to hatch an egg.

Hot Water

A lyrical mother-son road movie of self discovery from first time director Ramzi Bashour. With a terrific turn from SIFF favorite Dale Dickey.

Three of a Kind

Three generations of women come together for one last Christmas, unbeknownst to one of them, in this Danish family drama.

When a Witness Recants

Powerful new doc from Dawn Porter and Ta-Nehisi Coates exploring prosecutorial misconduct, police negligence, systemic racism, and the generational harm done to three innocent Black boys in Baltimore, imprisoned for 36 years for a crime they did not commit.

Yo (Love is a Rebellious Bird)

Anna Fitch and Banker White have created a love letter to friendship, generational connection, and frankly, to art itself.

Opening and Closing Night Films

Our tentpole films (Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters and Olivia Wilde’s The Invite) represent what is right in US independent cinema today - two singular artists not afraid to take a swing, to trust their actors, to create something wholly original, and who understand that you can explore really deep topics while making people laugh.