International Booker films released

The International Booker Prize has released six new short films for its 2026 shortlist, pairing each nominated book with a filmed performance by a well-known actor or musician. (thebookerprizes.com) The performers are Toby Jones, Indira Varma, Toheeb Jimoh, Jehnny Beth, Xelia Mendes‑Jones and Kae Alexander. The Booker Prize Foundation said the films went online on April 16, 2026. (thebookerprizes.com) Each performer reads from one of the six shortlisted books, and the films were directed by choreographer and filmmaker Holly Blakey at London’s Southbank Centre. The shortlist itself was announced on March 31, 2026. (thebookerprizes.com 1) (thebookerprizes.com 2) The six books are *On Earth As It Is Beneath* by Ana Paula Maia, translated by Padma Viswanathan; *The Director* by Daniel Kehlmann, translated by Ross Benjamin; *The Nights Are Quiet in Tehran* by Shida Bazyar, translated by Ruth Martin; *She Who Remains* by Rene Karabash, translated by Izidora Angel; *Taiwan Travelogue* by Yáng Shuang‑zi, translated by Lin King; and *The Witch* by Marie NDiaye, translated by Jordan Stump. The prize covers fiction translated into English and published in the United Kingdom or Ireland. (thebookerprizes.com) The films are now a regular part of the prize’s campaign. The Booker Prize Foundation said its 2025 Booker and International Booker videos were viewed more than 100 million times across its social media channels. (thebookerprizes.com) That promotional push comes as the prize marks its 10th year in its current form. Since 2016, the International Booker has awarded a single translated book each year and split the £50,000 prize equally between the author and translator. (thebookerprizes.com) The 2026 shortlist was selected from 128 submissions by publishers, with writer Natasha Brown chairing the judging panel. The foundation said the eligible books had to be published in the United Kingdom or Ireland between May 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026. (thebookerprizes.com) The films will also be screened at a 10th-anniversary event at the Southbank Centre on May 8, 2026. The winner of the 2026 International Booker Prize is due to be announced on May 19 at Tate Modern in London. (thebookerprizes.com 1) (thebookerprizes.com 2)