Beatrice Gibson Debuts Feature Film At Night at Locarno
Locarno Film Festival Hosts Premiere of Beatrice Gibson's Feature Debut At Night

AT NIGHT LOCARNO DEBUT
Illustration concept: A dramatic, atmospheric scene depicting a lone figure sitting quietly in a darkened room at night, with gentle ambient light casting soft shadows, cinematic lighting, 35mm film style.
AI summary
British artist and director Beatrice Gibson premiered her first feature film, At Night, at the Locarno Film Festival on August 8. Featured in the Filmmakers of the Present section, the film opens with lines from poet Alice Notley, a close friend of the filmmaker.
Why this matters
The debut marks an important transition for artist Beatrice Gibson as she moves into feature-length cinema. By incorporating work from poet Alice Notley, the film highlights artistic collaboration and offers an intimate lens on personal and creative themes at a prestigious international festival platform.
Key takeaways
- Beatrice Gibson premiered her debut feature film, At Night, at the Locarno Film Festival on August 8.
- The film was selected for Locarno's Filmmakers of the Present section.
- At Night opens with poetry by Alice Notley, a personal friend and key creative influence of the filmmaker.
- The premiere marks Gibson's entry into feature-length cinema.
The Locarno Film Festival welcomed British director Beatrice Gibson's first narrative feature, At Night, for its global debut on August 8. Screening within the festival's Filmmakers of the Present competitive section, the project represents a milestone expansion in Gibson's directorial career.
According to reports from Variety, the film sets its thematic foundation from its opening moments, launching with lines written by American poet Alice Notley. The opening verse reflects on a shifting and assertive vocal tone, setting a contemplative atmospheric direction for the cinematic work.
The inclusion of Notley's verse carries deep personal resonance for the director. Gibson shared a meaningful friendship with the poet, whose literary perspective significantly influenced the conceptual framing of the feature.
By launching At Night on a major international stage like Locarno, Gibson brings her distinct artistic background into the feature cinema sphere, drawing attention from global critics and festival audiences alike.
Frequently asked questions
- When and where did Beatrice Gibson's film At Night premiere?
- The feature film had its world premiere on August 8 at the Locarno Film Festival as part of the Filmmakers of the Present program.
- Who is Alice Notley and how is she connected to the film At Night?
- Alice Notley is a poet whose work opens the film. She was also a personal friend of filmmaker Beatrice Gibson.
- What section of the festival featured At Night?
- The film screened in the competitive Filmmakers of the Present program at Locarno.
Source & transparency
- By:
- The Reviser Desk
- Source:
- Variety
- Original publication:
- Aug 12, 2026, 11:32 AM
- The Reviser publication:
- Aug 12, 2026, 11:32 AM
- Updated:
- Aug 12, 2026, 12:03 PM
This report was independently written by The Reviser editorial desk from verified source material. It is not original on-the-ground reporting by The Reviser.
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