Annonay International First Film Festival

A pioneering festival dedicated to first films

Created in 1984 by the MJC d'Annonay under the name "Festival de Cinéma d'Annonay", the festival has become over the years the Annonay International First Film Festival, a benchmark event in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. For over forty years, it has been dedicated to the discovery of new cinema talents, programming exclusively or almost exclusively first feature films by directors from around the world.

Eleven days of cinema in winter

The festival takes place every year in January-February, for eleven days. The program offers around 82 films, including 45 first films from 25 nationalities, with about twenty previews. Screenings are held in several venues in the city: the Théâtre des Cordeliers, the Salle de La Presqu'île, and the Salle des fêtes d'Annonay. Meetings with directors, debates, and workshops complement the film program.

Les Arènes: competition of first films

The heart of the festival is the "Les Arènes" section, an official competition that presents a selection of first feature films in competition. A jury awards several prizes that contribute to the visibility of the films and the awarded filmmakers. Many directors who are now recognized have been discovered thanks to the Annonay festival.

Strong territorial roots

The festival is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of northern Ardèche. Since 2003, the program has expanded to neighboring municipalities of Annonay. The event mobilizes many volunteers and contributes to the winter cultural animation of the territory. Following the floods that hit the city center of Annonay in October 2024, the festival adapted by moving screenings usually held at the Les Nacelles cinema to other venues in the city.

Forty years of cinematic discoveries

With over 40 editions to its name, the Annonay First Film Festival has established itself as an essential event for cinephiles and film professionals. Its specialization in first films gives it a unique identity in the French festival landscape. The 43rd edition, in 2026, continues this mission of discovery by highlighting the first visions of filmmakers from all over the world.