Peplum Film Festival

Ancient cinema in a Roman setting

The Peplum Film Festival offers a cinematic experience unlike any other in France: the screening of ancient-world films within the grand Arles Roman Theatre, a 1st-century Roman monument and UNESCO World Heritage site. Since the late 1980s, this festival has gathered fans of the genre every August for six nights of open-air cinema in a venue that perfectly mirrors the stories unfolding on screen.

Peplum: a genre to rediscover

The peplum (or sword-and-sandal) genre brings Antiquity—whether Greek, Roman, Egyptian, or Biblical—to life through epic tales, gladiator combat, palace intrigue, and mythological sagas. From classics by Cecil B. DeMille and Joseph L. Mankiewicz to modern productions like Gladiator or Troy, the festival explores every facet of this fascinating genre.

Reenactments and entertainment

Each screening is preceded by entertainment designed to immerse the audience in the atmosphere of the ancient world. Historical reenactments featuring costumed troupes, artistic preludes (skits and choreography), and talks led by specialists in history and film set the stage before the movie begins.

A partnership with the Arelate Festival

The Peplum Film Festival runs alongside the Arelate Festival — Roman Days, creating a unique synergy between historical reenactment and cinema. Both festivals share the goal of bringing Antiquity to life within the monuments of Arles, offering visitors a full week of immersion in the ancient world.