Vendome International Film Festival

Overview

The Vendome International Film Festival is one of France's most important festivals for young audiences. Founded in 1990 and held annually in December in Vendome, a city in the Loire Valley, the festival presents competitive programming of films for children and teenagers alongside strong educational activities.

France's exceptional cinema education tradition -- including education programs that bring young people to the cinema as part of school curricula -- provides a strong foundation for festivals addressing young audiences. Vendome has developed particular expertise in programming films that engage seriously with childhood and adolescent experience.

The festival's December timing, near the end of the school term, creates a natural integration with educational activities and school groups.

Key Sections

• International Feature Competition -- films for young audiences competing for prizes
• Short Film Competition -- films for children in short format
• French Cinema -- new French films for young audiences
• Animation Program -- animated features and shorts
• School Program -- organized screenings and educational activities

What Filmmakers Should Know

Vendome accepts open submissions. For filmmakers whose work addresses childhood and adolescent experience with seriousness and quality, the festival provides access to France's cinema education ecosystem and the teachers, educators, and cultural mediators who work with young audiences.

Major Awards

• Grand Prix -- Best Film for Young Audiences
• Best Short Film
• Young Jury Award -- voted by young audience members

Festival History

Vendome International Film Festival was founded in 1990 and has operated continuously as one of France's most dedicated platforms for cinema for young audiences.

See Also

For children's filmmaking, see Independent Filmmaking Strategies. For French cinema, see International Film Markets.