Julie Delpy patron of the 6th edition of the San Diego French Film Festival A special focus on women’s voices and stories from across the Francophone world marks the 6th edition. Presented by the Alliance Française San Diego, the San Diego French Film Festival returns for its sixth edition from May 3 to 7, 2026, at THE LOT La Jolla and the Carlsbad City Library. This year’s theme celebrates women’s voices and stories in francophone cinema, featuring a powerful selection of French-language films (with English subtitles) that highlight women’s perspectives and creative talent from across the French-speaking world. The Festival is honored to welcome Julie Delpy as Patron of its sixth edition. An internationally acclaimed actor, director, and screenwriter, Delpy has appeared in more than 30 films and received nominations for three César Awards and two Academy Awards. Her latest film, "Meet the Barbarians" ("Les Barbares"), which she directed and stars in, will be presented on May 4, followed by an in-person Q&A. “This year’s festival highlights the diversity, creativity, and strength of women’s voices in francophone cinema,” said Julie Ripoll, Executive Director of the Alliance Française San Diego. “We are proud to welcome internationally acclaimed filmmakers and offer San Diego audiences the opportunity to experience these powerful stories and engage directly with the artists behind them.” Distinguished guests include Adrien Frier, Consul of France in Los Angeles; music director Victor le Masne, producer Marianne Maddalena; directors Erige Sehiri, Nathan Ambrosioni, and André Nerman; actor Caroline Amiguet; and Clay Epstein, founder of Film Mode Entertainment, who will moderate discussions. Festival Highlights Featuring films from Canada, Cameroon, Tunisia, France, and the USA, with directors of Vietnamese, Congolese, and Italian heritage, the Festival selection highlights the rich cultural and artistic diversity of the francophone world. 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. For updates on the film schedule, guest appearances, and ticket sales, follow the San Diego French Film Festival on Instagram (@sdfrenchfilmfestival) and Facebook (@sdfrenchfilmfestival) or subscribe to the newsletter of the Alliance Francaise San Diego on www.afsandiego.org About the San Diego French Film Festival The San Diego French Film Festival debuted in 2021 as a fully online event. In 2022, the festival embraced a hybrid format, drawing 150 attendees and featuring special guests such as actress Eugenia Kuzmina and producer Clay Epstein. The 2023 edition expanded to a three-day in-person event, welcoming around 300 guests and showcasing appearances by actors Laura Weissbecker and Mehdi Ajroudi and Grammy Award-winning musician Nathalie Bonin. The 2024 edition continued this upward momentum, presenting a four-day celebration of cinema with an engaging lineup of films and guest speakers, including Academy Awards Oscar Producer Antoine de Cazotte. In 2025, the festival celebrated Love in all its form, and welcomed actor Max Boublil and film director Gregory Boutboul. Sponsors of the event include Platinum Sponsors Villa Albertine - Consulate General of France in Los Angeles, City of San Diego Gold Sponsors Le Petit Journal Los Angeles, The LOT, Lycee Français de San Diego, events.com, San Diego French American School, Au Clair de Lune, City of Carlsbad Silver Sponsors: Ingrid Pasco, Film Mode Entertainment, Jonville Team, Rove Concepts, Francaise Le Shop, Jonathan Le Salon, TV5 Monde Bronze Sponsors: Clotilde French Bookstore, Desserts by Clement, Cuisinery, Language Academy, The Maids San Diego, Huttopia, Grande Colonial, Savory Farms, All Coastal Dental, Elle Jauffret, Lotzof Orthodontics Partners Institut Français, Vanguard Culture About the Alliance Française San Diego The Alliance Francaise San Diego was founded in 1927 and is part of a network of more than 105 chapters of Alliances in the United States and more than 830 affiliates in 128 countries on every continent. Its mission is to teach French and promote francophone cultures via social and cultural events. The Alliance Française was founded in 1883 by a group of intellectuals, including the scientist Louis Pasteur, the diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps, the writer Jules Verne, and the publisher Armand Colin, to name a few. Having an Alliance Française in San Diego is pursuing their ideal to make French shine abroad. Alliance Francais San Diego on Instagram and Facebook
