Milan Machinima Festival 2026 returns to IULM
From March 16 to 22, the ninth edition of the festival explores the concept of the video game loop among installations, screenings and discussions
REPLAY/RELOAD/RESPAWN
IULM University will host the ninth edition of the Milan Machinima Festival (MMF), titled REPLAY/RELOAD/RESPAWN. Curated by Artistic Director Matteo Bittanti, the event investigates how gaming culture is shaped by the notion of eternal return — repetition, revision, and resurrection — through the lens of video art and cinema. This year's visual identity is created by Hong Kong artist Edwin Lo Yun Ting.
The program: installations and screenings
The 2026 edition features a dual format to engage the audience:
- On-site (March 16-20): At the IULM 6 building, visitors can explore loop video installations and attend special screenings with discussions featuring the authors.
- Online (March 16-22): A selection of works will be available remotely on the festival's official website for a global audience.
The presented works will be evaluated by an international jury of experts from prestigious institutions such as Fotomuseum Winterthur and Stanford University.
Practical information
All festival activities are free of charge and open to the public.
- Location: Contemporary Exhibition Hall and Sala dei 146 (IULM 6, Via Carlo Bo 7).
- Installation Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (March 16–20).
- Screenings & Discussions: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (March 18–19).
Header picture: Murphy Nile, Control: The Uptime Protocol, 2025, China