Vichy International Film Festival, Un Brin de Court (2)

Festival start: 15 November 2026      Festival end: 22 November 2026

Vichy International Film Festival is proud to present the second edition of “Un Brin de Court,” an exciting very short film festival (between 1 and 3 minutes) that will take place from November 15 to 22, 2026, in Vichy and throughout the Allier department.

Immerse yourself in the world of cinema and creativity through unique screenings, fascinating discussions, and unforgettable experiences featuring fiction films (and only fictional, using live-action footage) from around the world.

Organized by the Club Audiovisuel de Vichy, “Un Brin de Court” aims to expand its audience and reach a new level. It now positions itself as a celebration of international francophone short films.

The call for very short films opens on March 1, 2026, and closes on July 31, 2026.

Short films must have a running time, including credits, of between 1 and 3 minutes. The festival is open to all filmmakers, both amateurs and professionals. Sections for this 2nd edition (to choose from):

• Open theme (only fiction)
• Mandatory theme: Resistance (only fiction)
• Young audiences (only fiction or animated films)

PLEASE READ THE RULES CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR FILMS, THANK YOU.

Numerous prizes will be awarded by a professional jury and the audience.

We look forward to seeing many of you there.

OFFICIAL AWARDS

Subject to change, the following awards will be presented:

Open theme category
• Jury Prize
• Favorite Film Award
• Audience Award

Mandatory theme category “Resistance”
• Jury Prize
• Favorite Film Award
• Audience Award

Young Audience category
• Jury Prize
• Favorite Film Award
• Audience Award

All categories combined:
• Best French-language film
• Best foreign film

The jury may award special mentions if it wishes.
A dedicated trophy will be awarded to the winners. It will be sent by post if the director is not present at the competition.

All selected directors will receive a certificate of participation.

Thank you for reading the full regulations on our website www.viff.info in both French and English.

SUBMIT A FILM

The second edition of the festival “Un Brin de Court” will take place from November 15 to 22, 2026, at the Backstep Theatre in Vichy (Allier, France) and in other cinemas across the Allier department.

It is organized by the Club Audiovisuel de Vichy.

The Francophonie will be honored during this event.

For this 2nd edition, the Vichy International Film Festival is launching its call for very short films from March 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION – ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Accepted genres: fiction, drama, comedy.
Documentary (including docu-fiction), experimental and animated films are not accepted.

• Two categories to choose from:

o Open theme
o Imposed theme: “Resistance”

• Films must be suitable for all audiences.

• Only films produced after January 1, 2024 are eligible.

• Duration: between 1 and 3 minutes (including opening and closing credits).

• Films must be in French or must include French subtitles (mandatory).

• Participation is strictly individual and limited to one film per category.

• No film may be withdrawn once its selection for screening at the Vichy International Film Festival has been confirmed.

YOUTH COMPETITION – ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Accepted genres: fiction, animation, drama, comedy.
Documentary (including docu-fiction) and experimental films are not accepted.

• Films must be suitable for children aged 7 to 12.

• Only films produced after January 1, 2024 are eligible.

• Duration: between 1 and 3 minutes (including opening and closing credits).

• Films must be in French or must include French subtitles (mandatory).

• Participation is strictly individual and limited to one film per category.

• No film may be withdrawn once its selection for screening at the Vichy International Film Festival has been confirmed.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

The selection committee is composed of members of the “Club Audiovisuel de Vichy” association as well as individuals from the associative or artistic fields.

Between 20 and 30 films will be selected in each competition category.

Committee members will base their decision on the following criteria: directing, screenplay, acting, image, and sound.

The committee’s deliberations will remain confidential and not subject to appeal.

Submitted films may also be selected for non-competitive screenings.
Directors and producers will be informed of the committee’s decision by email starting September 15, 2025.

IF SELECTED

If selected, the following materials must be sent by email or via WeTransfer before October 15, 2025, to viff03200@gmail.com:

• The film in HD format (.mp4 or .mov)
• A very short synopsis (maximum 2 lines)
• The director’s filmography and CV (PDF format)
• A photo of the director (JPEG format)
• A royalty-free visual (photo or poster) of the film for the catalog and online promotion

Selected directors will be invited to attend the festival. However, at this stage, accommodation and meals cannot be covered by the organization.

Every effort will be made to ensure an optimal welcome.

PROMOTION / EXPLOITATION / DISTRIBUTION

Participants grant the festival, free of charge, the right to reproduce photographs or excerpts from the film for promotional purposes in festival publications, on the association’s and festival’s websites, in the press, and on television.

After the festival, participants authorize the “Club Audiovisuel de Vichy” association, free of charge, to create an audiovisual compilation of excerpts from several selected films (particularly award-winning films) and to distribute it on any physical or digital media for promotional purposes of the Vichy short film festival in France and abroad.

Short films will remain royalty-free during and after the festival. They will remain available tothe “Club Audiovisuel de Vichy” association for any events it organizes. No author or producer may claim any remuneration or compensation for the screening of their film.

No commercial use of the selected short films will be made by the organizers.

The “Club Audiovisuel de Vichy” association reminds participants of the regulations concerning the use of music and images whose rights are not cleared, and requires participants to comply with French law. The association assumes no responsibility regarding the declaration of musical excerpts to SACEM.

OFFICIAL AWARDS

Subject to change, the following prizes will be awarded:

Open Theme Category
• Jury Prize
• Special Mention (“Coup de cœur”)
• Audience Award

Imposed Theme Category “Resistance”
• Jury Prize
• Special Mention (“Coup de cœur”)
• Audience Award

Youth Category
• Jury Prize
• Special Mention (“Coup de cœur”)
• Audience Award

All Categories Combined
• Best Francophone Film
• Best Foreign Film

The jury may also award special mentions.

A dedicated trophy will be awarded to winners and sent by post if the director is not present at the ceremony.

All selected directors will receive a certificate of participation.

MISCELLANEOUS

Participation in the Vichy International Film Festival implies full and unconditional acceptance of these regulations. The organization reserves the right to cancel a submission and take appropriate measures in case of non-compliance with the rules or behavior contrary to the smooth running of the festival.

CONTACT
Club Audiovisuel de Vichy (Allier, France)
viff03200@gmail.com