Premiers Plans Festival

Premiers Plans: The Meeting Place for Young European Cinema

Since 1989, the Premiers Plans Festival in Angers has celebrated European cinema every winter by highlighting the first films of emerging directors. With over 70,000 spectators per edition, it has become one of the most important film festivals in France and a true springboard for young filmmakers from the continent.

A Rich and Diverse Program

Each year, the festival offers official competitions for feature films, short films, and animated films, a retrospective dedicated to a great filmmaker, script readings by renowned actors, premieres, and special screenings. The program is aimed at all audiences, with screenings for young audiences from age 3 and educational workshops for schools.

A Commitment to Parity and Inclusion

The Premiers Plans Festival is committed to a 50/50 approach for gender equality and actively pursues a policy of prevention of sexist and sexual violence. These commitments reflect the festival's desire to promote open, respectful cinema that represents a diversity of perspectives.

The Angers Workshops

In addition to the winter festival, Premiers Plans organizes the Angers Workshops, a training and support program for aspiring filmmakers, as well as the Estival, an open-air cinema event at the end of summer. The festival also develops image education programs through the Passeurs d'images and Lycéens et apprentis au cinéma initiatives.

Screening Venues in the Heart of Angers

Screenings take place in several venues in the city: the Centre de Congrès Jean-Monnier, the cinemas Les 400 Coups, Pathé Angers, and the Grand-Théâtre d'Angers. This integration into the urban fabric makes the festival a truly embedded event in the life of the city.