Beyond the cafés and streets made famous by "Emily in Paris," here are some great places to "get your film on" in the city!
You may recognize Paris as being the city of light, love, fashion, and art – but have you ever stopped to marvel at how deeply-rooted the concept of cinema is in Parisian culture? And I'm not just talking about the recognizable cafés and streets made famous from movies like Amélie, Inception, or Inglorious Bastards...
Over the years, Paris has well established itself as a city of cinema, with the first movie screening in history being held in Paris in 1895! The Parisian appreciation of and curiosity for films, and the city’s exceptional ability to uphold cinema culture through independent and domestic production is tres magnifique, and makes my little film-writer heart very happy.
Here are some highly anticipated events that occur every year, from screening showcases with epic concerts, to independent festivals followed by classy after parties that are all open to the public!
CATCHING A FLICK IN PARIS
Some 29 independent cinemas (and 88 cinemas total) are currently operating in Paris, sometimes screening both mainstream and independent films alongside each other, giving cinema-goers the unique opportunity to view the full spectrum of what's to offer.
Lost in Frenchlation upholds the Parisian belief that cinema brings communities together, breaking the language barrier to showcase French cinema to the international community of Paris! Hosting screenings of French films with English subtitles at independent cinemas across Paris, Lost in Frenchlation helps non French natives enjoy the same French films that the locals are watching, in the same beautiful and iconic cinemas. Each screening is also preceded by a cocktail hour to catch up with friends and spark conversation!
The organization is currently running weekly screenings at cinema Studio 28 in the heart of Montmartre, the stunning boat-themed cinema Club de l’Etoile not far from the Champs-Elysées, and Luminor cinema in the Marais district.
When the weather starts to get warmer, and the light of day lasts a little longer, the cinema community of France emerges from the dark cinemas and into the open air. Cinéma en Plein Air offers the opportunity to relax on the green lawns of the Parc de la Villette as dusk falls and watch cinema surrounded by nature. This is a cultural highlight every summer with a different theme for each screening. Screenings include everything from French to international films, to Hollywood blockbusters, cult classics, French comedies and more!
Special events and activities are open to all and free of charge. Hire deckchairs and blankets on site for a more comfortable screening, and bring a picnic to enjoy during the movie. All films are shown in their original language, with French subtitles.
Around early July, the Festival des Canotiers holds a week-long program of film screenings, concerts, and exhibitions held in Place Maurice Chevalier in the 20th arrondissement.
Les Canotiers holds these events each summer in an attempt to restore Ménilmontant, Paris’ former industrial heartland, its vocation as an artistic and cultural district. By bringing creativity to the arrondissement each summer, it transforms into a dynamic space that creates links and shares a festive approach with everyone. All events are free and open to the public!
In the 11th arrondissement, La Chaise et L'Écran devotes each summer to a different director in the world of cinema. They pick five films to be shown on a screen installed in a neighborhood square or other unusual places.
Screenings usually start in early July and last through September. These screenings are free and most French films are shown with English subtitles. Don't forget to bring a blanket or chair to sit on!
The Silhouette screening event has been happening for over 20 years, and is held from late August through early September in the Butte du Chapeau Rouge square in the 19th arrondissement. The Silhouette programs short film screenings, workshops for all audiences, and debates and discussions on cinema topics!
The setting is always very relaxed and holds outdoor concerts as well as the short film screenings! All events are free and open to the public.
ATTEND (or participate in) A PARIS FILM FESTIVAL
The phrase cinéma d’art et essai describes those films that have ambition, and whose artistic and expressive purpose outweigh mere profitability. As such, occasions of independent film festivals are very important, as they highlight domestic accomplishments and draw a wider audience to film.
However, although Paris prides itself on French cinema, the city also values the importance of international films. Film serves as a means of breaking down cultural barriers, allowing spectators to enter into foreign cultures through art.
Highlighting the newest voices of independent cinema, Paris IFF puts French and international filmmakers carrying an important message into the spotlight. Built around its independent feature and short film competitions, the festival offers a grand view on International and French independent production, in particular those independent films attempting to bring light to injustice, social issues, global issues, and other messages with international potential.
This year’s festival event date is February 10-20, and submissions for the 2023 festival open this December of 2022.
Of course, the ECU Film Festival! You know ya girl's gotta promote, since I'm actually working with them as a journalist this year! The European Film Festival provides a unique platform for risk-taking storytellers to reach the broadest audiences possible, showcasing over 80 of the world’s best independent films every spring. As such, the ECU has established itself as the “Sundance of Europe.” And while the festival emphasizes independent European talents, it also recognizes international filmmakers with several categories allocated to non-EU films.
Not only does the festival screen a diverse slate of films over its three-day event, but also holds professional workshops led by experts in the industry, Q&A’s with attending filmmakers, and a chance to network with fellow filmmakers, producers, agents and other cinema-lovers. Every evening is followed by energetic after parties where attendees can unwind and commune! Oh, and there are ~drinks~ and a live DJ.
The 17th edition of the festival will take place from April 8-10 of 2022 in Paris. Submissions for the 2023 ECU Festival open in May of 2022.
The Paris Independent Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to celebrating the works of independent filmmakers from around the world, paying special attention to low-budget films by first and second-time directors. Founded in 2015, the festival takes place at the Feflet Médicis theater in Paris, screening short and feature films of any genre.
The Paris Indie Festival will take place this year from April 22-28. Submissions for the 2023 festival open in December of 2023.
The Champs-Elysees Film Festival takes place every year in the various cinemas along the most famous avenue in Paris, Champs-Elysees! The festival is the first and only in Paris that is dedicated to both French and American films, bringing the public the best of independent French and American cinema of the year. In an effort to create a bridge between French and American independent feature and short films, the festival puts unreleased films under the spotlight. All films are screened in their original versions, and are subtitled in French or English.
This year’s Champs-Elysees Film Festival will be held from June 21-28. Submissions for 2023 open in December of 2022.
An international event occurring every year in December, the Paris Film Art Festival invites filmmakers to come together for an evening of drama, romances, thrillers and other genre films. The festival takes place at the independent L’Epée de Bois Cinema, and showcases domestic cinema talents as well as filmmakers from around the world. The Paris Film Art festival strives to empower underrepresented creators, and pays particular attention to films in which one woman plays a key role as director, producer, screenwriter, or main actress.
Submissions for this festival are still open, with the opening date of February 1 and the final deadline of September 30 of 2022. The official festival will be held on December 4 of 2022.
