I am a devoted fan of the Pays Basque where I grew up, of the cinema and the view it gives us of the world, beautiful things, and gastronomy. I already admired the Hôtel du Palais as a child…

It was four years ago: a desire for a festival giving the young generation a voice and power and presenting stories of the young generation. It did not exist. In three editions, the challenge was met: people come to the festival to watch and exchange messages conveyed by young generations all over the world. All jury members are under 35 years old, the workshops and gazterias meet the needs and expectations of the young crowd. It is all about transmission!

Only Biarritz! Nowhere else! The town has changed, its liveliness is felt everywhere, all year round. The ocean, sport, nature, hospitality, cultures. Biarritz welcomed us as its very own children. And we want to contribute to this Biarritz, true to its values, but open to others.

It is unique for its values and DNA: youthfulness, creativity, independence, the ability to surprise, and… authenticity. All in a joyful experience open to all.

It is our N°1 challenge: to find films that will make an impression on viewers and jury members. With programme director Lili Hinstin and her young selection committee, we watch more than 300 films to choose the 8 in selection and a few more for large evening previews.

The Hôtel du Palais is legendary! Special guests meet up there, the opening-night dinner is held there with Chanel, encounters with professionals take place there, and the hotel itself is dressed to the nines…

OFF events, invented by young people from Biarritz: an exhibition here, an evening event there… The festival supports them and communicates about their events.

The viewing room in La Gare du Midi always full, Penelope Cruz meeting the public, and the standing ovation after screening of the film Tatami.

We are proud and honoured to welcome the great movie-maker Sofia Coppola as guest of honour at the opening of the festival. One day will be dedicated to protection of the oceans in association with the BLOOM NGO and its founder, Claire Nouvian, another to artificial intelligence, workshops and conferences on casting for young actors, and much more.

That the Biarritz Film Festival be just like the Sundance festival in the 1970’s. A festival where people come for a unique, intense experience which nourishes the movie world thanks to a breath of fresh air from young people worldwide.

A trip inland towards Arcangues or along the coast to Bidart and Guéthary, an excursion to San Sebastián, hiking towards the Rhune mountain and, above all, delightful meals with friends in the region’s excellent restaurants.