Clap'Est Festival
Edition 2026 Cinema Short Film Documentary

Clap'Est Festival

The first short film festival in Grand Est that gives everyone a chance

Chaumont — Haute-Marne (52)
Dates 01 Jul 2026
Location Chaumont (52)
Prices Free
Status

About Clap'Est

The Clap'Est Festival is the first short film festival in Grand Est dedicated to young creators aged 12 to 25. Each year, a national competition invites participants to create a video of maximum 3 minutes on a societal theme, with the first edition focusing on the environment. The festival also offers screenings of short films and documentaries, introductory filmmaking workshops, and meetings with professionals. Driven by a spirit of equal opportunity, Clap'Est makes Chaumont a hub for young audiovisual creation.

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A festival committed to youth and cinema

The Clap'Est Festival is more than just a film festival: it's a true societal project driven by the conviction that young people have something to say and show. Created by Thomas Poinsel with the support of the Haute-Marne Attractiveness Agency, this pioneering festival is the first event in the Grand Est region entirely dedicated to short films and open to all, regardless of origin or background. The objective is clear: to give every young creator aged 12 to 25 the opportunity to express themselves through image and sound.

A national short video competition

At the heart of the festival is a national short video competition of maximum 3 minutes, open to all young people aged 12 to 25. Participants are free to use a smartphone or a camera to create a short film, scripted or not, around a theme that changes each year. The first edition's theme was the environment, inviting young filmmakers to take a creative look at the ecological issues of our time. The selected films are screened during the festival to an enthusiastic audience and a discerning jury.

A diverse and representative jury

The originality of the Clap'Est Festival also lies in the composition of its jury, divided into four colleges: a Grand Jury composed of film professionals and cultural figures, a college of local elected officials involved in the territory's cultural policy, a college of citizens representing the local public, and a college of high school students which brings the perspective of the younger generation. This structure ensures a rich and diverse evaluation of the submitted works.

Screenings, workshops, and meetings for everyone

The festival is not limited to the competition. The program includes screenings of short films and documentaries selected for their artistic quality and thematic relevance, practical workshops on filmmaking, editing, and scriptwriting, as well as meetings with directors and film technicians. Daytime activities are specially designed for families and children, making the festival a moment of intergenerational sharing in a festive and friendly atmosphere.

Regional reach and national ambition

Rooted in Haute-Marne, the Clap'Est Festival aims to reach far beyond departmental borders. By attracting participants from all over France through its national competition, it helps make Chaumont and Haute-Marne a reference territory for young audiovisual creation. The festival is part of an already rich local cultural dynamic, alongside events such as the International Poster and Graphic Design Festival, and contributes to the territory's attractiveness by highlighting the creative energy of the youth in the Grand Est region.

Clap'Est — edition 2026

The second edition of the Clap'Est Festival is scheduled for Chaumont in 2026, with a new theme for the national short film competition. The program will include screenings, workshops, professional meetings, and activities for all audiences.

Prices Clap'Est 2026

Free access to screenings and activities

Practical information — Clap'Est

Access and location

The Clap'Est Festival takes place in Chaumont, the prefecture of Haute-Marne, in the Grand Est region. The city is accessible by road (A5 then N19), by train (Chaumont SNCF station, Paris-Est / Bâle line) and has free parking near the screening venues. The various festival sites are within walking distance of the city center.

Dates and times

The festival is generally held in the spring, over an extended weekend. Screenings and workshops take place during the day and in the evening. The detailed program and precise times are communicated on the festival's official website and social media a few weeks before the event.

Prices and ticketing

Access to screenings and most activities is free or at a very reduced rate, in the spirit of accessibility for all. Some specialized workshops may require prior registration. Information and registration on the festival website.

Participate in the competition

The national short video competition is open to all young people aged 12 to 25. Participants must create a short film of maximum 3 minutes on the year's theme, using a smartphone or camera. Registration and film submission are done online on the festival's official website. The complete rules are downloadable from the dedicated page.

Food and services

Food and drink stands are set up at the festival site for the duration of the event. The venues are accessible to people with reduced mobility. A reception and information area is available to the public at the festival entrance.

Contact

For any further information, consult the official website festivalclapest.wixsite.com or contact the organization by email. Also, follow the festival on social media to stay updated on news and programming announcements.

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Where does it take place — Clap'Est

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Clap'Est in brief

Cinema Short Film Documentary Multidisciplinary Haute-Marne

History of Clap'Est