ROYAL ARTS VISIONS; FIPADOC FESTIVAL OF TRUE STORIES

FIPADOC 

FESTIVAL OF TRUE STORIES

Fipadoc is the most important international documentary film event in France for professionals and the general public.

In 2024, it brought together more than 32,000 spectators in Biarritz around 180 documentaries. As a site to meet and for new projects to emerge, Fipadoc showcases documentaries in every shape and form: cinema, television, short films, series, digital experiences, podcasts

Fipadoc places special emphasis on young creation and innovation. It is also a festival that stands for the environment, human rights and social justice. Rooted in its territory, Fipadoc occupies the most emblematic of Biarritz’ venues during 8 days, ranging from the Casino to the Gare du Midi, via the Bellevue or the Royal, with over 230 screenings, meetings with film crews, masterclasses, debates and conferences. 16 prizes are awarded, with 5 Grand Prix:

• Grand Prix International Documentary, • Grand Prix French Documentary, • Grand Prix Musical Documentary, • Grand Prix Impact Documentary, • INA-madelen audience award Among these 16 awards, the Human Rights in Motion Award, endorsed by the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe, will be awarded for the first time in 2025.

Every year, the festival renews itself by submitting an original theme and a new Territory Focus. In 2025, a selection will be dedicated to the ocean, in resonance with the French Year of the Sea that starts on 1st January 2025, and the Territory Focus will be devoted to the Balkans. As a socially responsible festival, Fipadoc is an eco‑event certified by the Water NGO. It is also an inclusive festival, making sure to welcome all audiences with: theatres accessible to people with reduced mobility;

• a Ciné Relax screening, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for people whose disability may incur atypical behaviour; each and every one, with or without disabilities, is welcomed and respected as they are.

• screenings and events, throughout the year, in schools, nursing homes and cinemas of the Pyrénées Atlantique department within the Fipadoc Nomade framework.

THE FESTIVAL STANDS OUT WITH ITS CAMPUS ACTIONS AND ITS IMMERSIVE DIMENSION

LE CAMPUS

Campus accompanies  around 3,900 young people during and after the festival to help grasp works and encourage reflections around documentary cinema within educational or training contexts. Since 2021, Fipadoc has developed several programmes for students and emerging directors to encourage their professionalization, thanks to a range of actions that strengthen their skills, visibility and access to resources. In 2025, Campus will reinforce its actions with European school children, students and young professionals. Whatever the age of the young people, the goal is that professionals and experts share their advice based on their experience, favouring an environment that promotes creativity, and professional development,while highlighting the latest trends, challenges and innovations of the sector.

International_Pitches__Fipadoc_2024_©ClaudiaGoletto