La Rochelle International Film Festival
The meeting point for auteur cinema and cinematic discoveries
About Film Festival
A historic festival
Created in 1973, the La Rochelle International Film Festival, also known as FEMA (Festival and Market for Auteur Cinema), is one of the oldest film festivals in France. Every year at the end of June, it offers a demanding program dedicated to auteur cinema and rare films.
A unique program
The festival is distinguished by its in-depth retrospectives dedicated to major filmmakers, its discoveries of new talents, and its selection of rare or restored films. It attracts the most passionate cinephiles from all over the world.
A meeting place
Beyond screenings, the festival organizes meetings with directors, debates, and conferences. It is also an important professional market for auteur cinema.
Film Festival — edition 2026
The 54th edition of the La Rochelle Cinema Festival (FEMA) takes place from June 26 to July 4, 2026, featuring nearly 200 films from silent cinema to contemporary works. The program includes retrospectives of Jacques Tati, Diane Keaton, Youssef Chahine, and Leida Laius, and tributes to Dag Johan Haugerud, Nanni Moretti, Regina Pessoa & Abi Feijó, and André Delvaux.
2026 Edition — 54th FEMA
For its 54th edition, from June 26 to July 4, 2026, the La Rochelle Cinema Festival offers nearly 200 films, from silent cinema to the most recent creations, faithful to its mission of defending auteur cinema, rare films, and international discoveries.
Retrospectives
- Jacques Tati — around 6 films, including Playtime (1967) and Mon oncle (1958)
- Diane Keaton — approximately 8 films in tribute to the late American actress, including Annie Hall
- Youssef Chahine — about ten films for the centenary of the Egyptian filmmaker
- Leida Laius — first retrospective dedicated to the Estonian director
Tributes
- Dag Johan Haugerud (Norway) — all of his feature films, including the Oslo trilogy, Golden Bear at the Berlinale 2025
- Nanni Moretti (Italy) — complete works of his feature films and short films
- Regina Pessoa & Abi Feijó (Portugal) — animation short film programs
- André Delvaux (Belgium)
- Tribute to Michel Piccoli
Other Highlights
- "From Yesterday to Today" section: restored and rare films
- The 40th anniversary of the Rivages/Noir collection
- Young Audience Program: screenings and workshops for children
The detailed screening schedule will be available online on June 15, 2026, on the official website; online reservations open on June 17, 2026.
Highlights Film Festival 2026
- Nearly 200 films, from silent to contemporary
- Retrospectives of Jacques Tati, Diane Keaton, Youssef Chahine (centenary), and Leida Laius
- Complete Nanni Moretti works and tribute to Dag Johan Haugerud (Golden Bear 2025)
- Rare and restored films, meetings with filmmakers
- Young audience program and workshops
Prices Film Festival 2026
Practical information — Film Festival
Practical Information
Location
The festival takes place in several venues in La Rochelle, including La Coursive, CGR Dragon, Carré Amelot, and other partner venues in the city center.
Access
- La Rochelle SNCF train station about ten minutes from the city center
- Venues located in the city center, accessible on foot
- Parking lots nearby
- Yélo urban transport network (buses and shuttles)
Ticketing
Online booking on billetterie.festival-larochelle.org. For the 2026 edition: card (pass) sales open since May 13, 2026, session booking from June 17, 2026, badge exchange from June 24.
Contact
- La Rochelle Office: 10 quai Georges Simenon, 17000 La Rochelle — 05 46 52 28 96
- Paris Office: 16 rue Saint-Sabin, 75011 Paris — 01 48 06 16 66
- Ticketing: [email protected]
- Accreditations: [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Film Festival
Cinémas de La Rochelle
10 quai Georges Simenon, 17000 La Rochelle, 17000 La Rochelle