Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass (Palestine 36, The Arab, IFFR 2026) and Italian actress Valeria Golino (Fuori, IFFR 2026) will talk about their longstanding international careers, spanning arthouse cinema and acclaimed television series. Drawing on their experience, they will reflect on the processes through which they shape their characters, whether through performance, directing, or roles as creative consultants and acting coaches. The conversation will be moderated by Kristy Matheson, BFI Festivals Director and member of the IFFR Tiger Competition Jury at IFFR 2026.
Best known for her role as Marcia Roy in the HBO series Succession, Hiam Abbass has appeared in films such as Red Satin (Raja Amari, 2002), Munich (Steven Spielberg, 2005) and Free Zone (Amos Gitai, 2005). She has also written and directed several shorts. Valeria Golino began acting in the 1980s and became known to international audiences with Rain Man (Barry Levinson, 1988) and Hot Shots! (Jim Abrahams, 1991). She has been awarded the Coppa Volpi as best actress twice. In 2013, she directed the feature film, Miele.
You can also purchase a joint ticket for this Big Talk and a screening of Fuori, at a reduced rate. To buy the combined ticket, click here.
