The 16th edition of the Paris Film Festival took place June 10-18, 2026.
The 2026 edition of the Paris Film Festival offered six major programmatic events with the direct involvement of our jury members and additional expert speakers. Alongside this slate of events, many international and French Q and A sessions took place during the two weeks of the 16th PFF, reinforcing the festival’s essential role as a bridge between filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences.
2026 screening schedule.
The festival kicked off with an industry talk featuring producer Daren Smith, who was in attendance at the Produced By conference at the Universal Studio Lot. This opening session did set the tone for the program, rooted in the current realities of our industry while focusing on practical access for independent filmmakers.
From its opening day, the festival built in intensity and activity, with each day expanding the conversation through panels, mentorship sessions, and industry discussions. The progression led toward a rooftop networking event in Paris and culminated in the final screenings.
After a uniquely shaped Cannes Film Festival and the recent undeniable impact of films like Obsession and Backrooms, 2026 was a notably transformative year for global filmmaking. The 2026 edition of PFF kept a strong focus on distribution pathways, placing an intentional emphasis on strategy and execution. Events and panelists explored domestic and international distribution, the role of sales agents, aggregation models, and early stage positioning of projects to maximize the impact independent filmmakers can make.
As always, the Paris Film Festival had designed an interactive program focused on access, clarity, and actionable knowledge for emerging and working filmmakers. The film industry is ever-changing, with new models, new angles, new voices. This means opportunities that we all have to learn how to seize.
“Introducing “Producer Fund I”: a renewed approach to reconnect the investors, the audience, and the filmmakers.”
A conversation with Daren Smith, Craftsman Films.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 10
6 pm Paris / 9 am Los Angeles
Registration: closed.
“Flipping the Script: How to Use LinkedIn to Connect with Investors.”
A Guidance Session with Hong Kong Based Producer Consultant Renee Yip.
FRIDAY JUNE 12
4:30 pm Paris / 7:30 am Los Angeles / 10:30 pm Hong Kong
Registration: closed.
“The 2026 Distribution Playbook for Independent Filmmakers.”
A conversation with Greg Bekker, Two Lands Films & Mavryk.
SATURDAY JUNE 13
7 pm Paris / 10 am Los Angeles
Registration: closed.
“Navigating Film Distribution: From First Feature to International Sales.”
How to approach film distribution from the earliest stages of development, including pre sales, film markets, sales agents, aggregation, and international distribution strategy.
A panel with Maria Mørkrid and Philippe Diaz.
SUNDAY JUNE 14
6 pm Paris / 9 am Los Angeles
Registration: closed.
Rooftop event
With jury member Florent Lamy, former jury members Nicky Naudé and Sarah Avena, and the festival management & team in attendance.
Rooftop evening featuring, networking, photo opportunities, discussions, special guests, speakers, and VIPs.
WEDNESDAY JUNE 17
6pm, Paris
In person.
Registration: closed.
Screenings
Daily presence of the filmmakers in competition.
JUNE 14 through 18
Paris
In person.
Registration: closed.
