On January 30, Clermont-Ferrand set sail for the 48th edition of its International Short Film Festival. An imaginary cruise edition, judging by the symbolism of the 2026 poster, designed by Lithuanian illustrator Karolis Strautniekas: an invitation to set sail and discover unknown worlds and unique stories. At each stage and in every theater, there are films for everyone, seasoned viewers and novices alike, that will get people talking, thinking, laughing, or crying. So many moments to share, reminding us that short films, the cradle of the 7th art, enjoy their finest hours of glory every year in Auvergne.
No fewer than 154 French films or films co-produced with France will be screened in most of the festival's strands, including:
- 51 in National Competition
- 18 in International Competition
- 8 in Lab Competition
- 4 works in XR Competition, the latest addition to the competition strands
All the French titles presented during the 48th festival can be found here
Alongside National, International, and Lab Competitions, films aimed at young audiences and a number of other bold, inventive works are presented in special or themed programs, including a Southeast Asian panorama featuring Grandma Nai Who Played Favorites (a US/France/Cambodia co-production), which has been selected for numerous international festivals and won an award in 2025 at Sundance.
We would also like to highlight the Carte Blanche awarded to Don Quichotte Films, winner of the Procirep Prize in 2025. Established in 1997, this prize recognizes outstanding work in the sector.
This year the nominees for the same prize are: Barney Production, Kidam, Punchline Cinéma, and Yukunkun Productions.
The international Market
The 41st Market, an essential networking event, will be held from Monday, February 2 to Thursday, February 5 at the iconic Fleury Gymnasium. Its primary mission is to support, structure, and energize global film production. Historically present in this context, Unifrance will host the following 12 international sales companies and organizations at its booth, which is open to all its members: L'Agence du court métrage, Autour de Minuit, Cinestrib Distribution, Fløw, La Kourmétragerie, La Luna Distribution, Manifest, Miyu Distribution, Next Film Distribution, oriGine films, Salaud Morisset, and Shortcuts.
Unifrance also supports artists and professionals from the immersive world, whose presence at the Market for the second consecutive year with the XR Corner attracts those most curious about a universe that is steadily growing in scope, giving it an undeniable place in today's film landscape.
Unifrance's presence
During the week of the world's largest short film market, Unifrance's activities will focus on key events designed to promote exchanges and build bridges between French and foreign professionals.
Tuesday, February 3
9.30am – 11.30am: Networking breakfast
In partnership with TitraFilm, and with the support of Wallonie-Bruxelles Images, Sodec, and Swiss Films
By invitation only
3.30pm – 4.30pm: Unifrance round-table
"Catalog/heritage short films: what happens after their initial release?”
Speakers: Clément Bigot (L'Agence du court métrage), Lucie Canistro (Sooner), Anne Luthaud (GREC - Groupe de Recherches et d'Essais Cinématographiques), Nina Rebel-Faure (Nina Rebel-Faure)
Moderator: Laurence Reymond (Unifrance)
Venue: Hôtel Radisson (formerly Kyriad Prestige) – Salon Coubertin
Free admission
Wednesday, February 4
9.30am – 11.30am: Networking breakfast
In partnersip with TitraFilm, and the support of Wallonie-Bruxelles Images (WBI), Sodec, and SWISS FILMS
By invitation only
3.30pm – 4.30pm – Unifrance Presentation
“Unifrance programs and distribution figures for short films around the world”
Moderators: Tiziana D'Egidio and Laurence Reymond
Speakers: Andréa Goncalves (Manifest) – Luigi Loy (Sacrebleu Productions)
Free admission
To consult the list of the main Market events: https://www.shortfilmwire.com/fr/2026/evenements
