Clermont-Ferrand’s Famous Film Festival

Posted on 01. Feb, 2012 by Marie in Destinations, Europe Travel, France

When I learned that I moving to Clermont-Ferrand, one of the first things I checked is the cultural scene – I love myself a good festival! I was pleasantly surprised to learn that every January, the city is host to the most important short film festival in the world, Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival.

courtesy of Clermont Film Festival

The festival is in full swing as I write this. I have been to three sessions already, and have three more planned until Friday. It’s my first time at a short film festival and I really wasn’t familiar with this particular format, but I have to say, it’s kind of fun!

59 different sessions are spread on over the week, each featuring 5 or 6 short films that can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 40 – how cool is that?

There are several genres featured, from futuristic cartoons to dark humor, thriller to documentary. Attending the Film Fest is definitely a great way to explore new horizons, film wise. I’ve seen a documentary on a French child growing up in Zaire, a cartoon on a Spanish woman who dances with the corpse of her dead husband and a comedy about a old Norwegian man that built a giant tuba to communicate sounds across the ocean.

Eclectic? Yes. Wonderfully interesting? Absolutely.

If you have booked a hotel in Paris, make sure to hop on the train and visit Clermont-Ferrand to attend the Film Festival. Most movies are subtitled in French and English, giving you no excuse not to be there. Or worst case scenario, get a cheap French lesson! At 3,50 euros per ticket, it’s truly worth it.

Have you ever been to a short film festival? Or a festival during your travels?

Related posts:

1. Challenging My Willpower at the Chocolate Festival of Clermont-Ferrand
2. Follow the Famous Dick Whittington Ale Trail in London
3. Visiting the Plateau de Gergovie in Auvergne
4. My Beautiful Auvergne, a Photo Essay

Tags: activities, Auvergne, France