San Diego French Film Festival

The 6th San Diego French Film Festival, presented by the Alliance Française San Diego, will take place May 3–7, 2026 at THE LOT La Jolla and the Carlsbad City Library. This year’s edition places a special focus on women’s voices and stories from across the Francophone world, showcasing a diverse selection of French-language films with English subtitles. The Festival is honored to welcome internationally acclaimed actor, director, and screenwriter Julie Delpy as Patron of its sixth edition. Known for her celebrated career in international cinema, Delpy will present her latest film, Meet the Barbarians (Les Barbares), on May 4, followed by a live Q&A with the audience. The program features films from Canada, Cameroon, Tunisia, France, and the United States, highlighting the cultural richness and global diversity of the Francophone world. Filmmakers and guests will include directors Erige Sehiri, Nathan Ambrosioni, and André Nerman, as well as producer Marianne Maddalena, music director Victor le Masne and actor Caroline Amiguet. Opening Night Gala – May 3 The Festival opens with Colors of Time (La Venue de l’avenir, 2025), directed by Cédric Klapisch, a luminous portrait of women across generations. The screening will be followed by a red-carpet gala reception with champagne, live entertainment, and French DJs. In Conversation with Julie Delpy – May 4 Meet the Barbarians (Les Barbares, 2024), directed by and starring Julie Delpy, is a bold and satirical exploration of community, identity, and belonging. With sharp wit and a distinctly female perspective, the film examines prejudice and the vital role women play in shaping social change. The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the filmmaker. Stories of Love and Resilience – May 5 The One I Loved (Moi qui t’aimais), directed by Diane Kurys, reflects on the life of Simone Signoret. That evening, Promised Sky (Promis le ciel), directed by Erige Sehiri, presents a powerful story of exile and solidarity. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the director. Young audiences and Filmmaker Spotlight – May 6 The animated feature The Sacred Cave (La Grotte sacrée) introduces young audiences to African storytelling traditions. Later, Out of Love (Les Enfants vont bien), directed by Nathan Ambrosioni, offers an intimate portrait of motherhood and independence, followed by a Q&A with the director. Closing Night – May 7 The Festival concludes with Welcome to Iceland (Bienvenue en Islande), directed by André Nerman, a moving story of maternal courage filmed in part in San Diego, followed by a discussion with the filmmaker. At THE LOT La Jolla, audiences can also experience Summer Beats (Ma Frère), directed by Lise Akoka and Romane Guéret, a vibrant coming-of-age story.

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3567440-0

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3567440-2

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