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6th edition - MAY 3-7, 2026
Join us for the 6th edition of the San Diego French Film Festival, taking place May 3–7, 2026 at The LOT La Jolla and at the Carlsbad City Library, with a special focus on women’s voices and stories in francophone cinema. Discover inspiring francophone films (with English subtitles) that highlight women’s perspectives and creative talents from across the French-speaking world.​​
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Schedule and Tickets
​Festival opening: Sunday, May 3, at 5 PM at THE LOT La Jolla
Red-carpet Opening Gala featuring a short and the feature film
After the screening, guests enjoyed an elegant soirée with gourmet hors d'oeuvres, desserts, champagne, and live entertainment, with a DJ-curated dance party.
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Festival Days: From Monday, May 4, through Thursday, May 7, screenings in two different locations of award-winning feature films (with English subtitles) each preceded by a short film.
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THE LOT La Jolla - 7611 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
Carlsbad City Library - ​1775 Dove Ln, Carlsbad, CA 92011
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Additionally, the Young Cinephiles' Days, are special events held for French language students on March 19 and 20.​
Films in French with English subtitles
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MAY 4-7: Festival Days in two locations
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MAY 6: 2 MOVIES IN 2 LOCATIONS
4 PM: THE SACRED CAVE (CARLSBAD)
6.30 PM: to be announced (LA JOLLA)
MAY 6 - 4 PM at Carlsbad City Library
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4 PM
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Short: TBA
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Feature: La Grotte Sacrée (The Sacred Cave)​​​​​
A spellbinding animated journey, La Grotte sacrée / The Sacred Cave invites audiences into a richly imagined tale of courage, community, and ancestral wisdom from the heart of Cameroon—perfect for young cinephiles and adults alike.
La Grotte Sacrée (The Sacred Cave) (2023) by Cyrille Masso, Daniel Minlo
Cameroon, 1h40, Animation, French (with English subtitles) -
For ages 8 and up
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Synopsis: In the heart of Africa's equatorial forest, the king of Mabunos is poisoned by one of his subjects. Two close aides of the palace are tasked with traveling to a sacred cave in search of an antidote that will cure their ruler — and they only have seven days to succeed before he perishes.
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MAY 7 I 2 SCREENINGS IN 2 LOCATIONS
6.30 PM: WELCOME TO ICELAND (CARLSBAD)
6.30 PM: to be announced (LA JOLLA)
MAY 7 - 6.30 PM at Carlsbad City Library
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6.30 PM
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Short: TBA
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Feature: Bienvenue en Islande (Welcome to Iceland)
8.30 PM: Panel discussion with director Andre Nerman​​​​​
A moving first feature, Welcome to Iceland follows Julie as she fights against the odds to help her son Baptiste thrive, celebrating a woman’s courage, love, and determination—partially shot in San Diego.
Bienvenue en Islande (Welcome to Iceland) (2025) by Andre Nerman
France, 1h49, drama, French (with English subtitles) -
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Synopsis: Julie, an art teacher in Biarritz, struggles to raise her young son Baptiste, who has severe neurological disabilities, as the strain leads to her marriage’s collapse. Baptiste finds joy and connection through the ocean and a friendship with Tom, a surfer who believes in his potential when others do not. Defying medical pessimism, Julie follows unconventional therapies from Israel to California, where surfing, new treatments, and Tom’s support help Baptiste thrive beyond all expectations.
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video by Willmus Creative