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The Montpellier Metropolis has announced that its upcoming 2026 open-air film festival, Cinéma sous les étoiles, will spotlight women directors through a dedicated programming slate titled “Regards féminins.” According to Montpellier Mayor and Metropolis President Michaël Delafosse, the festival is scheduled to run from August 7 to August 20, 2026, bringing 12 open-air screenings across 12 different municipalities within the metropolis.
Programming Scope and Curatorial Vision
The 2026 selection aims to traverse multiple decades, cinematic genres, and artistic sensitivities. According to festival organizers, the slate encompasses animation, drama, documentaries, comedies, and genre cinema, constructing a pathway that is simultaneously popular, socially engaged, and emotionally resonant. While maintaining the community-focused atmosphere characteristic of past editions, this year’s festival adopts a bolder curation centered on contemporary issues.
According to Michaël Delafosse, the featured films address strong contemporary themes, including feminism, power dynamics, bodily autonomy, sexuality, violence, and emancipation. “Films that question, sometimes shake things up, but above all open a space for sharing, curiosity, and collective reflection,” Delafosse stated regarding the curatorial direction.
Historical Roots and Featured Filmmakers
The “Regards féminins” program spans the breadth of cinema history, drawing connections between early pioneers and contemporary auteurs. The slate places early French filmmaker Alice Guy, widely recognized as a pioneer of narrative fiction cinema with works like La Fée aux choux, alongside prominent modern and historical directors.
The lineup incorporates works by notable international and French filmmakers spanning various eras and movements:
- Alice Guy
- Kelly Reichardt
- Jane Campion
- Lotte Reiniger
- Mounia Meddour
- Justine Triet
- Greta Gerwig
- Chloé Zhao
Festival Logistics and Community Impact
Operating entirely outdoors, Cinéma sous les étoiles seeks to democratize access to cinematic history and contemporary art across the wider Montpellier region. By distributing the 12 scheduled screenings across 12 distinct municipalities, the event encourages local cultural engagement during the summer months. The initiative provides audiences with an opportunity to discover or revisit influential works that have shifted perspectives on global storytelling and societal norms.
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