San Diego French Film Festival

A premier celebration of Francophone cinema in Southern California

Organized by the Alliance Française San Diego since 2021, the San Diego French Film Festival is an annual celebration of contemporary French-language cinema and the diverse cultures of the Francophone world. Through award-winning films, filmmaker conversations, and special events, the Festival fosters cultural exchange and meaningful dialogue while showcasing both acclaimed directors and emerging talent through debut features and short films.

Committed to education, the Festival inspires audiences of all ages to discover the French language, explore new perspectives, and deepen their appreciation of Francophone cultures through the art of cinema.

Experience the Festival

5 DAYS: APRIL 25-29
Short and feature films. Conversations, red carpet, culinary experience, and events to connect around culture.

Opening Night and Party

Join us on the red carpet for a glamorous opening night followed by a festive celebration.

Conversations

Intimate conversations with filmmakers, actors and industry guests.

Films from around the world

Bringing films in French from various countries, showcasing the variety of the Francophone world.

Supporting young creators

Selection of short films and debut films

Education

Free screenings of films in French to students learning French in partnership with San Diego schools.

Celebrating Francophone Cinema since 2021

The San Diego French Film Festival presents a diverse lineup of films from Francophone countries around the world. Each screening offers a chance to discover new perspectives, cultures, and stories that inspire, inform, and move audiences. Watching these films on the big screen enhances the shared experience, where collective emotion deepens the power of storytelling.
What began in 2021 as a single-day event has grown into a five-day celebration of screenings, conversations, and special events, welcoming more than 1,000 guests.

Meet Filmmakers and Industry Guests

Each year, the Festival welcomes filmmakers, producers, and actors from the international film community. Past and upcoming guests include director and actor Julie Delpy, director Nathan Ambrosioni, actor Max Boublil, director Grégory Boutboul, producer and actor Laura Weissbecker, actor Caroline Amiguet, actor and director Andre Nerman, director Lisa Kohn, producers Mathilde and Clay Epstein, producer Marianne Maddalena among others.

Connecting Cultures Through Film

More than a film event, the San Diego French Film Festival serves as a bridge between cultures, fostering dialogue and understanding through the universal language of cinema. It’s a space where audiences can immerse themselves in Francophone creativity, share ideas, and celebrate the beauty of global storytelling.

Submit your film via FilmFreeway Submit your film via FilmFreeway

A glimpse into the festival

Young Cinephiles Days

Beyond the days open to the general public, the Festival hosts the Young Cinephiles Days — free screenings created especially for students learning French in San Diego schools. These sessions give young audiences the opportunity of discovering French-language films on the big screen, experiencing the language and Francophone cultures far beyond the classroom.

Teachers and school groups are warmly invited to join: the Young Cinephiles Days are a unique opportunity to bring French lessons to life and share the magic of cinema with your students. Contact the Alliance Française San Diego today for more information and to reserve seats for your class.