San Diego French Film Festival May 3-7

The 6th San Diego French Film Festival, presented by the Alliance Française San Diego, will take place May 3–7, 2026 in La Jolla. 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.

The festival opens May 3 with Colors of Time (La Venue de l’avenir) by Cédric Klapisch, followed by a gala reception. Screenings throughout the week will explore themes of love, resilience, identity, and motherhood, culminating with the closing film Welcome to Iceland (Bienvenue en Islande) on May 7.

Program highlights

Opening Night – May 3: Colors of Time (La Venue de l’avenir, 2025), directed by Cédric Klapisch

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. The screening will be followed by a Q&A.

Stories of Love and Resilience – May 5:
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.

Filmmaker Spotlight – May 6:
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.