Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival

The Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival is an annual event in Clermont-Ferrand, France, dedicated to showcasing short films from around the globe. Held in late January and early February, it draws over 160,000 film lovers and professionals, making it the largest short film festival in the world.

• Held annually in Clermont-Ferrand, France since 1979
• Screens around 500 short films from nearly 90 countries
• Draws over 160,000 visitors and 9,000 accredited professionals
• Features national, international, and experimental competitions
• Hosts a major Short Film Market for industry networking

What it is

The Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival is a major gathering for filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences passionate about short films. Each year, the city of Clermont-Ferrand becomes a hub for discovering new cinematic voices, with hundreds of films screened across multiple venues. The festival is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, where seasoned directors and newcomers alike share their work and connect with a diverse, international audience. For many, it is a place to celebrate the art of short filmmaking, exchange ideas, and witness the early steps of future cinema talents.

Where it comes from

The festival began in 1979 as a Short Film Week organized by the local university film society. In 1981, the founders established the collective 'Sauve qui peut le court métrage' to support and promote short films. By 1982, the event became competitive, introducing juried awards and expanding its focus to include international films and tributes to influential short filmmakers. The creation of the Short Film Market in 1986 further established Clermont-Ferrand as a key meeting point for industry professionals, helping to raise the profile and economic impact of short films worldwide.

How it is celebrated

During the festival, Clermont-Ferrand buzzes with screenings of around 500 short films, selected from nearly 9,500 submissions each year. The program is divided into national, international, and experimental (Lab) competitions, alongside themed showcases and tributes. Audiences include film enthusiasts, students, and professionals, who gather to watch films, attend Q&As, and participate in industry events. The Short Film Market offers a space for buyers, distributors, and programmers to discover new works, while awards recognize outstanding achievements in various categories. The festival is known for its lively, communal spirit, where conversations spill out from cinemas into the city’s streets and cafés.

Joining in

Visitors to Clermont-Ferrand during the festival can expect a vibrant atmosphere, with screenings taking place in several venues across the city. Tickets are available to the public, and the schedule offers a wide range of films in different languages and genres. Alongside the films, there are opportunities to attend discussions, meet filmmakers, and explore the bustling Short Film Market. Whether you are a film professional or simply curious, the festival welcomes newcomers and offers a unique chance to experience the world of short cinema up close.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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