The Institut Français in Cannes

The Institut Français is thrilled to open with La Semaine de la Critique a new chapter of its presence in Cannes, a milestone that strongly resonates with our missions: revealing, supporting, and nurturing talents from France and around the world. 

The Institut Français works actively to promote and distribute French cinema internationally, and provides the French cultural network around the world with over 100 new French films every year. 

In Cannes, the Institut Français runs La Fabrique Cinéma, a programme that, every year, selects 10 first or second feature films by directors from Southern or emerging countries, in order to connect them with the industry. 

In 2026, these activities will be hosted at the Semaine de la Critique Beach, in a new area dedicated to socially engaged works and the talents of tomorrow, where conferences, round tables, and workshops will be held in dialogue with La Fabrique Cinema’s working sessions. A place to work and exchange that reflects the missions upheld by the Institut Français: amplifying the voices of filmmakers from around, defending freedom of expression, supporting the international reach of French cultural industries, and showcasing the work carried out by the French cultural network worldwide.

Ava Cahen and Eva Nguyen Binh | President og the Institut français