Champs-Élysées Film Festival 2025: The Independent Cinema Event in Paris
From June 17 to 23, 2025, the Champs-Élysées Film Festival takes over the most iconic theaters of the Champs-Élysées to celebrate French and American independent cinema. A promising 14th edition full of discoveries, insight and celebration.
Founded by producer and distributor Sophie Dulac, the Champs-Élysées Film Festival is driven by Justine Lévêque(Artistic Director), Chantal Lian (Head of American Programming), and Mathilde Carteau (General Coordinator), supported by Louise Masson (Programming & Film Teams Coordinator), Lou Guillen (Programming Assistant), and a dedicated team of volunteers who bring the festival to life each year with passion and resilience.
An Explosive Opening: Titanique
Forget classic red carpets: this year, CEFF opens with the cult show Titanique, a delirious musical parody of James Cameron’s film. Céline Dion (or almost) revisits Jack and Rose’s story with glitter and pop hits. An invitation-only opening night, boldly setting the tone for the whole edition.
A Glamorous Closing: Materialists by Celine Song
After Past Lives, Korean-Canadian director Celine Song returns with Materialists, a New York love triangle starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans. A highly anticipated film, presented in its French premiere at the June 23 closing night.
2025 Juries: Artists’ Perspectives
- French Feature Jury: chaired by Alice Winocour, with actors, directors, and culture journalists.
- American Feature Jury: headed by Jonathan Millet, director of Les Fantômes (César 2025), known for his poetic, humanistic lens.
- Short Film Jury: made up of programmers, critics, and emerging filmmakers.
Official Selections: 60 Films to Rethink the World
🎬 French Feature Films
- Arco by Ugo Bienvenu – futuristic animation
- Ari by Léonor Serraille – Franco-Belgian drama
- L’Engloutie by Louise Hémon – alpine drama
- La Peau dure by Laïs Decaster – bodily documentary
- Météors by Hubert Charuel & Claude Le Pape – poetic fiction
- Nino by Pauline Loquès – identity quest
🎞 American Feature Films
- Dreams in Nightmares by Shatara Michelle Ford
- Queerpanorama by Jun Li
- Bunnylovr by Katarina Zhu
- Mad Bills to Pay by various directors
- To Use a Mountain – by unknown author
- Familiar Touch – topic: memory and legacy
📽 Short & Medium-Length Films
Films like +10k, Khmerica, Grands Garçons, Sulaimani and F*ck That Guy explore hybrid formats of docu-fiction and animation. A raw, daring cinematic energy.
Premieres and Festival Gems
- Des preuves d’amour by Alice Douard
- L’Incroyable Femme des neiges by Sébastien Betbeder
- Pavements by Alex Ross Perry
- Materialists by Celine Song
Retrospectives and Masterclasses
Emma Seligman and Celine Song are celebrated this year. From shorts to major features, their sharp, sensitive views on the world take the spotlight in screenings and Q&As.
Getting Older is Beautiful
Powerful elders, forgotten icons, or bold heroines — this section honors time’s passing through film. From Desert Hearts to The Grandmother, Club des ex, and works by Varda, Donna Deitch, Ruth Gordon, Goldie Hawn, and more.
And by Night… the Rooftop Party
From June 18 to 22, the Rooftop Nights light up Paris. DJ sets by Olivia Merilahti, Gildaa, Thibaut de Longeville, Eloi, and Billie. Champagne, killer views, and summer beats.
Practical Info
- Dates: June 17 to 23, 2025
- Tickets: €8 (full) / €6.50 (discount) / Rooftop Pass: €15 per night / €50 full week
- Venues: Publiciscinémas, Le Balzac, Le Mac-Mahon, Le Club de l’Étoile, Théâtre du Rond-Point, Théâtre du Lido
- Official site: champselyseesfilmfestival.com
