CANNES: Cinema

The 11th edition of the Chinese Film Festival in France, from May 10th to June 30th, will stop in Cannes and Antibes with a rich selection.

The Chinese Film Festival in France (FCCF) returns for its 11th edition from May 10th to June 30th, 2026, affirming its role as a cultural bridge between the two nations. Co-organized by the Chinese Cultural Center in Paris, the China Film Administration, and the Path Group, the event will unfold in about ten French cities, including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and will make a notable stop on the French Riviera with screenings planned in Cannes and Antibes. This large-scale event aims to offer the French public a panorama of the richness and diversity of Chinese cinema. “Since its inception, the Festival has been a window through which the French public discovers and gets closer to an authentic and pluralistic China,” emphasized Deng Li, Ambassador of China in France.

An eclectic program

The 2026 selection revolves around four main sections: New Releases, Classic Films, Documentaries, and Virtual Cinema. The festival promises a complete immersion in contemporary production, with a majority of unreleased films in France. Among the highlights, the public will discover Scare Out, the new espionage thriller by internationally renowned director Zhang Yimou, which has already proven to be a major box office success in China. The programming also includes various works such as the historical film The Lychee Road, the poignant drama Viva la vida, or the animated film Curious Tales of a Temple. In parallel, a heritage section will highlight restored masterpieces, such as La Divine (1934), an emblematic silent film starring the icon Ruan Lingyu, and Spring in a Small Town (1948). A thematic exhibition, “Journey through 120 years of light and shadow of Chinese cinema,” will complement this cultural offer.

Zhang Yimou, exceptional ambassador

Leading figure of the “fifth generation” of Chinese filmmakers, Zhang Yimou is the ambassador of this 11th edition. A director with the highest international distinctions, including a Golden Bear in Berlin for Red Sorghum (1988) and two Golden Lions in Venice, his presence underlines the prestige of the event. He is joined by French directors Jean-Jacques Annaud and Anne Fontaine, as well as actress Isabelle Huppert as a guest of honor, illustrating the strength of Franco-Chinese film ties. “We eagerly look forward to this solid partnership opening the way to true collaboration opportunities,” stated Ardavan Safaee, President of Path Films and co-chair of the festival.

Reflection of a booming film market

According to Noël Garino, artistic advisor of the festival, this selection is a perfect reflection of the vitality of Chinese cinema. The year 2025 was marked by a strong comeback, with a national box office increase of over 22%, reaching 51.8 billion yuan. Animation cinema dominated the market, representing nearly 49% of revenues, driven by phenomenal successes. This dynamic contrasts with the bleakness of many international markets and demonstrates the creative power of an industry where almost 80% of films seen by the public are local productions.

Practical information

The festival will take place from May 10th to June 30th, 2026. Detailed programming for different cities, including Cannes, Antibes, Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Strasbourg, Brest, Toulouse, Montargis, as well as Reunion Island and New Caledonia, will be available on the official event website: cinechine.org.