Tati en Fête

Tati en Fête: The Spirit of Jacques Tati in the Heart of Berry

The festival Tati en Fête was born in 2007 in Sainte-Sévère-sur-Indre, on the occasion of the centenary of Jacques Tati's birth and the sixtieth anniversary of the filming of Jour de Fête. This picturesque village in Berry, immortalized by the filmmaker in 1947, thus perpetuates the memory of one of the greatest directors of French cinema through a festival dedicated to humorous short films.

A Competition of Humorous Short Films

Each year, on the first weekend of August, about ten carefully selected short films are screened in competition. The public is invited to vote for their "coup de cœur" (favorite), making each spectator a member of the jury. The films presented reflect the diversity of the comedy genre: burlesque, absurd, satirical, poetic. The festival thus celebrates the art of the short format, to which Jacques Tati himself was deeply attached: "Defend the short film, ensure that young filmmakers can express themselves. Without short films, you would have neither Chaplin, nor Fellini, nor Keaton..."

Prestigious Guests and Cinematic Encounters

The festival has been sponsored since its creation by Nicolas Ribowski, director and friend of the Tati family. Each edition hosts a guest of honor from the world of cinema or comedy, who offers a carte blanche and shares their passion with the public. Actor Antoine Duléry was notably a guest of honor, presenting a personal selection and participating in special screenings.

A Village Dedicated to Tati's Universe

The festival is part of a unique cultural ecosystem. The Maison de Jour de Fête, a museum dedicated to the film and the universe of Jacques Tati, is the beating heart of this cinematic heritage. During the festival, the entire village vibrates to the rhythm of screenings, encounters, and events, recreating the festive and quirky atmosphere dear to the director of Mon Oncle and Playtime.

By supporting young filmmakers and perpetuating the tradition of humorous short films, Tati en Fête helps keep the spirit of a visionary filmmaker alive, while energizing the cultural life of this corner of Berry that was dear to his heart.