Dieppe Canadian Film Festival

The Dieppe Canadian Film Festival: A Unique Window on Canadian Cinema in Europe

Since 2013, the Dieppe Canadian Film Festival has created a unique cultural bridge between France and Canada. Born from the initiative of the Ciné-Deep association, this festival is part of the deep historical ties that unite Dieppe with Canada — the Norman town being famous for the 1942 raid and its age-old links with New France and maritime explorations.

The festival is the first event in Europe exclusively dedicated to Canadian cinema, from all provinces. It offers an exceptional showcase for a film industry often unknown to the French public, rich in its linguistic diversity (Francophone, Anglophone, Indigenous), its landscapes, and its unique themes.

An Eclectic and Generous Program

Each edition offers around forty screenings spread over four days at the Cinéma Mégarama in Dieppe. The program includes:

• Feature films in competition, judged by a professional jury and the public
• Selection of Indigenous short films, highlighting the voices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis
• Documentaries exploring Canada's social, environmental, and cultural realities
• Animated films, continuing the tradition of excellence of the NFB (National Film Board of Canada)
• Preview screenings and films not yet released in France

Meetings and Exchanges

Beyond the screenings, the festival is a place for meetings between Canadian filmmakers and the Norman public. Round tables, post-screening discussions, and festive events — such as the traditional Bal québécois with traditional music — punctuate the four days of the festival, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Dieppe and Canada: A Shared History

The choice of Dieppe as the host city is not insignificant. The Norman seaside resort maintains strong historical ties with Canada, from the Newfoundland fishing expeditions of the 16th century to the Dieppe Raid of August 19, 1942, an Allied military operation with a Canadian majority that profoundly marked the memory of both countries. The festival is part of this memorial and cultural relationship, extending it through the lens of contemporary cinema.