The major event for European cinema in the Hauts-de-France region
Founded in 2000 by the association Plan Séquence, the Arras Film Festival has become over twenty-five years a major cinematic event dedicated to the promotion of French and European cinema. Every autumn, for ten days, the city of Arras transforms into the capital of the 7th art with previews, a European competition, retrospectives, meetings with film crews, and masterclasses. The festival attracts over 40,000 spectators and establishes itself as an essential discovery venue for cinephiles and industry professionals.
The Arras Film Festival is one of the most important film festivals in the Hauts-de-France region. Founded in 2000 by the association Plan Séquence, it was initially known as "L'Autre Cinéma" before taking its current name. For over two decades, it has established itself as an essential event for the discovery and distribution of European cinema.
Each edition features a European competition bringing together new feature films judged by a jury, a selection of European Discoveries highlighting new talents, French previews with the presence of the film crews, as well as retrospectives dedicated to guests of honor. The festival places a particular emphasis on first and second films, playing a role in uncovering new talent.
Beyond screenings, the Arras Film Festival develops a significant cultural mediation program with school screenings, debates, masterclasses, and meetings with directors. The festival collaborates closely with the Université d'Artois and educational institutions to raise awareness among young audiences about European auteur cinema.
The Arras Film Festival benefits from the support of the CNC (Centre national du cinéma), the Région Hauts-de-France, the Département du Pas-de-Calais, and the Ville d'Arras. It has become a meeting point for film industry professionals, cinema operators, and distributors, contributing to the circulation of European films in France.
The 27th edition of the Arras Film Festival is scheduled for November 2026. The festival will continue its mission to promote European cinema with a competition, previews, and meetings with film crews.
The Arras Film Festival will return in November 2026 for its 27th edition. The festival will continue to celebrate European cinematic creation, support its distribution, and participate in the circulation of European films in France.
The detailed program will be announced in the fall of 2026. As every year, the festival will offer a European competition, previews, retrospectives, and numerous meetings with film crews.
Arras is accessible via the A26 motorway (from Calais or Troyes) and the A1 (from Paris or Lille). The city center has several underground parking lots near the screening venues.
The Arras train station is served by the TGV from Paris-Nord (50 minutes) and by TER from Lille (30 minutes). The festival's cinemas are within walking distance of the station.
Screenings take place in several cinemas in the center of Arras, notably at the cinéma Les Lumières and other cultural venues in the city.
Arras offers a wide choice of accommodation: hotels, gîtes, and B&Bs in the city center and surrounding areas. Early booking recommended during the festival.
Official website: www.arrasfilmfestival.com
Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @ArrasFilmFestiv
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