THE Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival is an unmissable event for cinema enthusiasts. In 2025, this festival marked its 47th edition, attracting a large audience eager for discovery. Through a rich and varied program, the festival highlighted innovative creations, bringing together filmmakers from around the world. Let’s dive into the heart of this event which celebrates the short film and the art of telling stories in a limited time.
The 47th edition of the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival, which took place from January 31 to February 8, brought together cinema enthusiasts from around the world. This event, renowned for its innovative approach and warm atmosphere, was able to maintain a frenetic pace throughout the days of screenings. Festival-goers had the opportunity to discover dazzling works, ranging from poignant drama to light comedy, while enjoying moments of enriching exchange.
An unmissable event for movie buffs
Nearly 173,000 visitors flocked to celebrate the short film from all walks of life. Every year, Clermont-Ferrand becomes the showcase for global independent cinema. With more than 500 films screened, spectators were able to appreciate the diversity of genres and styles. Competitions continue to attract new talents, allowing young creators to cut their teeth.
Among the films presented, we find a magnificent series of short films dealing with contemporary themes such as identity, culture, technology and even societal issues. Here are some of the films that left their mark:
- Augur: Infinite Trolling by Baloji – An explosive mix of visual styles.
- Lamento by Jannick Giger & Demain Wohler – A poetic exploration of human relationships.
- Death of an actor by Ambroise Rateau – A satire on the world of media.
A festive and engaging atmosphere
Conviviality was the key word of this edition. In the rooms, there was a lively atmosphere, marked by enthusiastic reactions and warm exchanges between participants. The organizers were able to create a framework conducive to meetings, thus encouraging the sharing of experiences and knowledge.
Seminars, workshops and meetings enlivened the forum, representing an enrichment for all those involved. Professionals in the sector were able to share their practices, discuss current industry trends, while meeting new talents and consolidating already established relationships.
A program full of discoveries
The festival highlighted daring works, shaking up the codes of traditional cinema. The selection of short films offered a wide variety, between narrative innovation and visual daring. Each screening was an invitation to explore different worlds, ranging from the most realistic to the most fanciful.
Among the works seen, The Bait by Marie de Marzelle captivated the audience with her unique approach, while My mother’s heels knew how to touch the spectators with his moments of tenderness and humor.
Feedback from festival-goers
The feedback from participants was overall more than positive. The spectators, amazed by the quality of the short films, underlined the relevance of the themes addressed. The shared feeling was that of a cult dive into contemporary creativity.
Some have expressed their attachment to the short format, emphasizing that it allows risk-taking and freedom of expression that is less found in feature films. They also affirmed that the Clermont-Ferrand Festival was fertile ground where young directors could express their thoughts without constraint.
The festival facing the future
As this edition comes to an end, eyes are already turning to the future. The Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival will continue to assert itself as a major player in the film scene. In addition to his screenings, he is becoming more professional, looking for ways to integrate new technologies and expand his global audience. The promises of a 48th edition are already on everyone’s minds. In perspective, innovative meetings, even richer programming and immersive and dynamic experiences. Everything suggests that we should not miss the continuation of this exhilarating cinematographic adventure.
The Festival, by transforming Clermont-Ferrand into the capital of short films, proves that it is a capital event in the contemporary cultural landscape.
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IN BRIEF
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The Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival, with its 47th edition, has captivated a large audience with its rich and diverse programming. By offering a platform to young filmmakers and innovative works, this festival remains a real springboard for the short format. The screenings attracted passionate spectators who were able to discover a multitude of styles and stories, ranging from reflective to playful, all served by emerging and established talents.
THE competitions were the place of creative effervescence, where each short film stood out for its aesthetic and narrative proposition. The sessions devoted to the Labo competition particularly attracted attention, presenting daring works which question cinematographic conventions and reinvent the language of the short film. Movies like Augur: Infinite Trolling And Lamento have left their mark, both for their originality and for their ability to tackle modern and relevant themes.
This edition was also recognized for its efficient organization and the enthusiasm of the spectators, testifying to a sustained interest in the short film. Full theaters, even in the morning, echo a cinematic culture that is still lively and dynamic in France. Ancillary events, such as meetings and workshops, also helped create synergies between professionals, promoting the exchange of ideas and collaboration in a constantly evolving environment.
Finally, the festival succeeded in establishing a strong link between innovation and tradition, celebrating the art of short films while looking toward the future. The diversity of works presented and the quality of the exchanges augur a new era for short films, in Clermont-Ferrand as elsewhere.
