PIFFF - Paris International Fantastic Film Festival

PIFFF: Fantastic Cinema at the Heart of the Grands Boulevards

Since 2011, the PIFFF — Paris International Fantastic Film Festival has established itself as the reference festival for fantastic cinema in Paris. Created by the association Paris Ciné Fantastique, the festival is held every December at the Max Linder Panorama cinema, one of Paris's most beautiful theaters located in the heart of the Grands Boulevards, in the 9th arrondissement.

PIFFF's mission is clear: to celebrate genre cinema in all its forms — fantastic, horror, science fiction, thriller — by offering Parisian audiences a discerning selection of works from around the world. The selection, of about twenty films chosen from over 400 submissions, resolutely prioritizes quality over quantity, making each screening an event.

A Launchpad for Genre Cinema Talents

One of PIFFF's fundamental missions is to highlight future talents in genre cinema. Over the years, the festival has identified filmmakers who have since made a name for themselves on the international scene. At the same time, it showcases the latest works from the masters of world fantastic cinema, offering the public the opportunity to discover films often unseen in France.

The Max Linder Panorama: A Temple of Cinema

The choice of the Max Linder Panorama cinema as the venue is no accident. This legendary theater on Boulevard Poissonnière, with its giant panoramic screen and state-of-the-art sound system, offers exceptional screening conditions that enhance genre films. The unique atmosphere of the Max Linder, blending cinephile tradition with technical modernity, contributes to the festival's strong identity.

A Program Balancing Discoveries and Classics

PIFFF's program is structured around several components: the official competition features films new to France, often French or European premieres; special screenings honor works by established filmmakers; preview screenings offer exclusive first looks at highly anticipated genre films. The festival also includes Q&A sessions with filmmakers and special events that thrill audiences.

Japanese Cinema in the Spotlight

PIFFF regularly gives significant space to Japanese cinema, which boasts one of the richest fantastic traditions in the world. Each edition features a notable selection of Japanese films, reflecting the genre's vitality in Japan and the close ties between the festival and the Japanese film industry.