International Short Film Festivals of France

France, the birthplace of cinema, holds a special place in the hearts of film enthusiasts. But it's not just about the glitz and glamour of Cannes. A vibrant short film scene thrives across the country, offering a platform for emerging filmmakers and innovative storytelling.

So, if you're a short filmmaker looking to showcase your work or a cinephile seeking unique cinematic experiences, consider these renowned international short film festivals in France:


Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival:  

Nicknamed the "Cannes of Short Films," Clermont-Ferrand is a massive event attracting thousands of attendees and film industry professionals. It boasts a competitive program featuring international filmnarratives, documentaries, and animated films. Notable alumni include filmmakers like Damien Chazelle and Taika Waititi.

 

Paris Short Film Festival:

Held in the heart of the City of Lights, this film festival champions fresh filmmaking voices.  PSFF welcomes international film submissions across various film genres, providing a platform for short films to be discovered by Parisian film audiences and tastemakers.

 

Brest European Short Film Festival:

Nestled in Brittany, Brest focuses on European short films.  The film festival features international competitions, retrospectives, and workshops, fostering cultural exchange and nurturing European filmmakingtalent.

 

Grenoble International Film Festival:  

This dynamic film festival showcases both short films and feature films, with a strong emphasis on international film narratives and documentaries.  Grenoble offers a launchpad for bold new voices and encourages film audience interaction through discussions and Q&A sessions.

 

Festival du Court Métrage de Toulon:

Taking place on the beautiful French Riviera, Toulon celebrates short films across genres.  The film festival is known for its festive atmosphere and commitment to supporting young filmmakers. Past editions have seen international shorts gain recognition and film distribution deals.

 

Lille International Short Film Festival:  

Lille, a cultural hub in northern France, hosts this film festival dedicated to international short films. Renowned for its diverse programming and audience awards, Lille provides a platform for filmmakers to connect with international movie audiences and film industry professionals.

 

Vincennes International Short Film Festival:  

Held just outside Paris, Vincennes focuses on international short films with a social conscience. The film festival highlights short films that tackle contemporary issues, fostering social awareness through the power of film.

 

Festival Tous Courts d'Aix-en-Provence:  

This film festival, located in the picturesque Provence region, explores the world of short films through thematic competitions and retrospectives. It celebrates international short filmmaking in all its diversity, showcasing animated films, documentary films, and live-action narratives.

 

Côté Court Festival:

 Located near Paris, Côté Court champions independent short filmmaking. The film festival prioritizes French and international shorts, fostering a vibrant film community space for filmmakers and film audiences to connect and engage.

 

Festival Premiers Plans d'Angers:  

This film festival focuses on first works by young European filmmakers, including short films.  It provides a platform for emerging filmmaking talent to showcase their vision and connect with established figures in the film industry.


France's landscape is dotted with international short film festivals that serve as beacons for emerging filmmakers and cinephiles alike. These film festivals not only provide a platform for the diverse voices within the global filmmaking community but also contribute to the rich culture of French cinema. As the spotlight continues to shine on the brilliance of short filmmaking, these film festivals remain integral to the evolution of storytelling on the international stage.