Ugandan and Somalia-set films take top Locarno Open Doors prizes
Projects by Ugandan filmmaker Talemwa Pius and Mohammed Sheikh won the two largest cash prizes at Locarno’s 2026 Open Doors programme, which focused on African cinema.
In short
- Projects by Ugandan filmmaker Talemwa Pius and Mohammed Sheikh won the two largest cash prizes at Locarno’s 2026 Open Doors programme, which focused on African cinema.
Two African film projects have won the largest cash prizes at the 2026 Locarno Open Doors programme, giving a boost to stories rooted in Uganda and Somalia.
Ugandan filmmaker Talemwa Pius’ “A Vineyard for a Lobster” and Mohammed Sheikh’s “Accept My Plea for a Burial” emerged as the programme’s top winners, Variety reported on August 10, 2026. This year’s Open Doors industry focus was Africa.
“A Vineyard for a Lobster” is described as a magic-realist story built around a miraculous snowfall in a drought-stricken Ugandan village. “Accept My Plea for a Burial” is set in Somalia and examines an ancient custom, according to the source report.
Open Doors supports filmmakers and projects from regions where independent production can face structural barriers. Cash prizes at the development stage can help projects advance toward financing and production while increasing their visibility among international partners.
