1 | ONLY REGISTERED MEMBER OF ALBERTINE CINEMATHEQUE CAN APPLY
2 | CALL FOR APPLICATIONS OPEN THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2026
UPDATE: PLEASE NOTE THE NEW PROCEDURE AND TIMELINE !
Starting this year, members will apply for a grant in the fall to support their French film festival on campus the following year — prior to the announcement of the new film selection.
The grantees and the 2026–2027 Film Selection will be announced in March 2026.
Successful applicants will be selected by a committee of university faculty and will be invited to choose six films — including one classic — from the 2026–2027 Film Selection, for inclusion in their festival. Grantees will be given access to viewing links for the selected films and will have two months to confirm their selection and to curate a meaningful, impactful program for a campus-wide event that involves other departments and engages students. The screening fees for the six films will be paid directly to the distributors by Albertine Foundation.
— If you are not yet a member, please register to become a member of Albertine Cinémathèque.
— Fill out the Application Form thoroughly and with as much detail as possible to clearly convey your festival concept and your enthusiasm for the project. (Even if your institution has participated in the program before, do not assume we are familiar with your school or previous festivals.)
— Your application must demonstrate your ability to mobilize and engage other faculty members and students in a campus-wide initiative.
— Members are eligible to receive a Festival Grant for multiple consecutive years, but they must reapply each year — even if their institution has participated in the past.
— Applicants will be notified of the selection decision in March.
— You will receive information about the Film Selection, including viewing links and contact details for the distributors.
— You must select five films from the Contemporary Films list and one film from the Classic Films list.
— Use this time to collaborate with other departments and students to curate a meaningful selection of films that will resonate with your campus community, align with academic syllabi, and spark impactful conversations. Define a cohesive theme and consider inviting guest speakers or organizing post-screening discussions.
— Within two months of your notification, you must confirm the following:
— Based on this information, your institution’s signatory will receive a Letter of Intent via DocuSign for signature. You will also receive a copy.
— Once the Letter of Intent is signed, we will contact the distributors to book the films on your behalf and cover the screening fees.
— You will receive a confirmation email once the films have been booked. Only then may you contact the distributors to arrange for screening materials.
— Please contact the distributors at least one month prior to your screening dates. Note: Your institution may be responsible for covering certain shipping costs depending on the chosen screening format.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Do not contact the distributors to request materials before receiving our confirmation.
— You must plan to present the six selected films as part of an on-campus film festival. These films may also be included within a larger festival if desired.
— All screenings must be NON-THEATRICAL and NON-COMMERCIAL, in accordance with our agreements with the distributors. All screenings must be free or offered for a minimal charge or suggested donation to cover event costs — even if held in a local theater rather than in a campus facility.
— All screenings must take place within the academic year for which the grant has been awarded.
— Promotional materials must include the Albertine Foundation and Villa Albertine logos, along with the following credit line:
Albertine Cinémathèque is part of the French for All initiative by Villa Albertine and Albertine Foundation, and is made possible by the support of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée (CNC).
— Post-Screening Form: A post-screening report must be submitted using the online form after your festival. This report should include:
⚠️ Important: If you do not submit the post-screening form by the end of June (for the relevant academic year), you will not be eligible to apply for the following year’s grant. The jury requires this information to evaluate future applications.
— Begin promoting your festival well in advance to ensure strong attendance.
— Integrate screenings into the curriculum or offer them as extra credit: students who are required to attend often form a reliable core audience. Professors who assign the screenings as part of a course are typically more engaged with promotion and organization.
— Collaborate with other departments and faculty: the more people involved, the more resources you can access — including funding, promotion, and logistical support. For a festival, consider forming a film selection committee with faculty and students.
— Designate someone to introduce the screenings and lead post-screening discussions. These added elements often boost attendance and engagement.
— Offer students the opportunity to write reviews, reflection papers, or journal entries on the films for academic credit.
— Involve students in festival planning through internships, volunteer roles, or work-study positions. Many students are genuinely interested in this type of experience, and their involvement helps generate buzz and buy-in.
— Host a Q&A with a filmmaker or film expert — a proven way to attract an audience and deepen the experience.
— Schedule screenings on a mix of weekdays and weekends to accommodate different schedules and maximize accessibility.
— Choose your opening night film wisely: a more accessible or engaging first film can draw a broader audience and create momentum. Avoid starting with a film that might be too niche or challenging, as this can discourage attendance at subsequent screenings.
— Use social media and discussion forums. Create an event page or group to share regular updates. Ask students to help promote the festival by sharing posts on their own platforms.
— Post festival information on your school’s website and your academic department’s page.
— Ask professors to announce the festival in class. Faculty support is a key way to build awareness and drive attendance.
— Utilize your university’s PR office. They can help distribute press releases to local media outlets and may offer promotional support.
— Reach out directly to local media. Newspapers, radio stations, and local magazines are valuable for promoting to audiences beyond the campus.
— Leverage campus media outlets. If your school has a newspaper, magazine, radio station, or TV channel, ask them to help spread the word.
— Print promotional materials — posters, flyers, and postcards — and display them in high-traffic areas across campus.
— Ask relevant academic departments to display materials on their bulletin boards or digital signage, especially if the films relate to their subject areas.
— Add the event to your university’s official calendar, as well as relevant department calendars.
— Connect with local community organizations — such as cultural groups or nonprofits with an interest in French culture or related themes — and invite them to attend or help promote the screenings.
— Look for internal grants: Many universities offer funding for cultural events through various departments. Explore what is available at your institution and determine whether it can be combined with the Festival Grant.
— Partner with other university departments: Collaborating with other departments can support both the promotion and the financing of your festival. Most departments have small event budgets, and by pooling resources, you can help cover costs more effectively.
— Explore non-academic sources on campus: Student associations, the university library, and film clubs may have funding or resources to contribute.
— Organize a fundraising campaign and invite students to help plan and promote it. This can also increase awareness and engagement around the festival.
— Collaborate with your local Alliance Française: They may be able to offer financial support, promotional assistance, or help with programming and guest speakers.
Sandrine Neveux | Program Officer sandrine.neveux@villa-albertine.org