Festival Biarritz Amérique Latine

The Festival Biarritz Amérique Latine: A Window onto Latin America

Since 1991, the Festival Biarritz Amérique Latine (FBAL) has opened a window onto the cinemas and cultures of Latin America every autumn in the heart of the Basque Coast. This festival, the most important of its kind in France, offers a rich program for a week in September, blending film screenings, debates, literary encounters, exhibitions, and concerts.

Film Competitions

The heart of the festival lies in three official competitions:

• Fiction Competition: The best Latin American feature fiction films of the year are presented and judged by an international jury.
• Documentary Competition: A selection of documentaries that bear witness to the social, political, and cultural realities of Latin America.
• Short Film Competition: A panorama of young talents in Latin American cinema through innovative and bold short films.

Beyond Cinema

The FBAL is not limited to cinema. The festival offers a complete cultural program:

• Literary Encounters: Latin American authors are invited for readings, debates, and signings, highlighting the richness of the continent's literature.
• Free Concerts: Every evening, the Casino de Biarritz hosts free concerts with Latin American music artists: salsa, cumbia, bossa nova, tango, and other captivating rhythms.
• Exhibitions: Contemporary Latin American art exhibitions accompany the program.
• Gastronomy: Tastings and culinary workshops allow participants to discover the flavors of Latin America.

Festival Venues

The FBAL takes place in three emblematic venues in Biarritz:

• Casino de Biarritz: Main venue for screenings, ceremonies, and evening free concerts.
• Gare du Midi: Screening room and meeting space.
• Cinéma Le Royal: Screenings of competition films and special sessions.

A Bridge Between Two Continents

The Festival Biarritz Amérique Latine plays a unique role as a cultural bridge between Europe and Latin America. By celebrating the continent's cinematic and cultural creations, the festival contributes to greater mutual understanding and fruitful artistic exchanges. The FBAL has helped introduce many Latin American filmmakers in France who have since become international references.

Organization and Commitment

The festival is organized by the association Biarritz Festivals, which has been championing this ambitious cultural project for over thirty years. The FBAL benefits from the support of numerous institutional and private partners and relies on a team of passionate volunteers who contribute to the event's success each year.