Come along to the Palais des Arts et du Festival to take part in the masterclasses, talks and workshops at this year’s 2026 event.
ECOLOGY AND SHORT FILMS
with Récits d’Avenir and L’Observatoire de la Fiction
Thursday 8 October, 11 am to 12 pm
How do short films address the major environmental, social, and societal issues of our time?
Récits d’avenir and L’Observatoire de la fiction will present their analysis methodology and the findings of a study conducted on over 100 French and international films*. Whether through subject matter, character engagement, everyday actions, or the depiction of biodiversity, the study reveals how ecological issues still struggle to make a real impact on screen.
(*selected from the 2026 Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival).
Bar – Palais des Arts et du Festival
‘SHORT AND SWEET’ – THE SHORT FILM AND ITS CHALLENGES
With Philip Ilson, co-programmer of ‘Shortcuts’ and co-director of the London Short Film Festival
Friday 9 October, 12 noon to 1 pm
Inside the World of Short Films : the challenges of directing, producing, and distributing short films. What are the distribution channels?
How do you find an audience? A discussion with short film professionals.
Bar – Palais des Arts et du Festival
MEETING BETWEEN LONDON FILM SCHOOL AND ESRA
With Chris Auty, Director of the London Film School, Damien Stein and Julien Henocq, lecturers at ESRA
Saturday 10 October, from 2.30 pm to 4 pm
A dialogue between ESRA and the London Film School regarding education and the professional integration of their students.
This meeting offers insight into the film world from the perspectives of the educators, a rare opportunity for France and the UK to come together to discuss the challenges of entering the film industry, the future and opportunities awaiting new generations, and the trends and aspirations of young talent.
Bar – Palais des Arts et du Festival
Workshop “Boxing Babette, un film dans ta poche !”
By Darn Dat Moose
Saturday 10 October, 10.30 am – 11.30 am and 4.30 pm – 5.30 pm
A cinematic tribute to fearless amateurism!
Sharing an abiding love for the early silent cinema, the London-based collective Darn Dat Moose invites you to an accessible filmmaking workshop : here, the smartphone replaces the camera, and shared enthusiasm is the only ingredient needed to make a film.
Passionate about the incredible vitality and inventiveness of the great 1920s comedy pioneers, Darn Dat Moose will present Boxing Babette, a silent short film shot on a smartphone, before leading a workshop on the art of creating with limited resources and becoming a filmmaker using the camera you usually have in your pocket.
Because there is always room for your talent and your skills come and join Darn Dat Moose and get ready to take action!
BOXING BABETTE – 16’
When a street brawl ends in k.o. for the boy she fancies, bookish local girl Babette takes on the bullies. She may prefer reading Shakespeare but in the world of slapstick even bookworms can throw a good punch.
Petit Palais (Palais des Arts et du Festival).
