Festival Biarritz Amérique Latine
Festival of Latin American Cinema and Cultures in Biarritz
About 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.
Biarritz Amérique Latine — edition 2026
35th edition of the Biarritz Latin America Festival (FBAL), from September 26 to October 2, 2026 in Biarritz. A week of Latin American cinema, music, literature, and gastronomy, with Uruguay and Cuba in the spotlight.
A 35th edition in the colours of Uruguay and Cuba
For its 35th edition, from September 26 to October 2, 2026, the Biarritz Latin America Festival honours Uruguay and Cuba, through several film cycles and special events allowing the discovery of the cultures of these two countries through their filmmakers, artists, and musical traditions.
The film competitions
The edition is organised around the three official competitions of the festival: fiction, documentary, and short film. Previews, special screenings, tributes, and screenings for young audiences complete the program. The Jury des Biarrots is reinstated: it allows residents of Biarritz to watch the films in the fiction competition to elect their favourite film.
Music, Village and encounters
In the streets of Biarritz, the Latin American atmosphere spreads to squares, cafes, and cultural spaces with numerous activities: concerts, exhibitions, debates, university meetings, and gastronomic tastings. The traditional Festival Village returns as a convivial space at the heart of the event.
Septeto Santiaguero in concert
A musical highlight of the 2026 edition: the legendary Cuban group Septeto Santiaguero, winner of a Latin Grammy Award and ambassador of Cuban son (guaracha, bolero-son, trova) for over thirty years, performs at the Gare du Midi on Wednesday, September 30.
The festival venues
The FBAL takes place in three emblematic locations in Biarritz: the Casino de Biarritz (screenings, ceremonies, and free evening concerts), the Gare du Midi, and the cinéma Le Royal.
Highlights Biarritz Amérique Latine 2026
- 35th edition, from September 26 to October 2, 2026
- Uruguay and Cuba as featured countries
- Three official competitions: fiction, documentary, short film
- Concert by Septeto Santiaguero at the Gare du Midi on Wednesday, September 30
- The Jury des Biarrots reinstated
- Festival Village, free concerts, exhibitions, and gastronomic tastings
Prices Biarritz Amérique Latine 2026
Practical information — Biarritz Amérique Latine
Access
The festival takes place in the city center of Biarritz.
- By car: A63 motorway, exit Biarritz. Parking at the Casino and in the city center.
- By train: Biarritz station or Bayonne station, then bus.
- By plane: Biarritz-Pays Basque Airport, then taxi or shuttle.
Venues
Casino de Biarritz, 1 avenue Edouard VII; Gare du Midi, 23 avenue du Maréchal Foch; Cinéma Le Royal, 64200 Biarritz.
Schedules
Screenings and events throughout the day. Free concerts in the evening.
Prices
Paid tickets for screenings. Free concerts in the evening at the Casino. Festival pass available.
Ticketing
Tickets on sale on Billetweb and at the box offices of the screening venues.
Contact
Festival Biarritz Amérique Latine
Website: www.festivaldebiarritz.com
Accessibility
The main festival venues are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Accommodation nearby
Biarritz offers a wide choice of accommodation. Booking is recommended for late September.
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Where does it take place — Biarritz Amérique Latine
Casino de Biarritz, Gare du Midi, Cinéma Le Royal
1 avenue Edouard VII, 64200 Biarritz