The 40th Cabourg Romantic Film Festival Unveils Star-Studded Lineup and Special Events

The 40th edition of the Cabourg Romantic Film Festival, held in the Calvados region of France, kicked off on June 12, 2026, with a focus on romantic cinema, celebrity appearances, and industry discussions. The festival, which runs through June 15, features a lineup of films, masterclasses, and awards ceremonies, including a special tribute to Isabelle Huppert and a masterclass by Juliette Binoche.

Juliette Binoche Hosts Masterclass on 40 Years of Romantic Cinema

On June 13, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., Juliette Binoche led a masterclass at the Auditorium (formerly the casino) titled “40 Years of Romantic Cinema at Cabourg.” The session, part of the festival’s programming, explored Binoche’s career, her relationship with romantic films, and her directorial work, including her documentary *En Nous*, which screened at 4:00 p.m. on the same day. The event, free with ticket reservation, highlighted Binoche’s enduring influence on the genre.

David Foenkinos Signs New Book at Festival

On June 13, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., author David Foenkinos, a member of the long-film jury, participated in a book signing for his latest work, *Je suis drôle*. The event, held at the Auditorium, offered fans an opportunity to meet the writer and discuss his contributions to literature and cinema. Foenkinos, known for his work on films like *The Intouchables*, has previously collaborated with festival organizers on literary events.

Podcast Recording Focuses on Film Criticism

The festival also hosted an exclusive podcast recording on June 13, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. The session, part of the *507 heures* podcast, explored the role of film critics in the industry. Hosted by Laurie Ravaux, the podcast’s founder, the event featured discussions with journalists Chloé Delos-Eray and Charlotte Lipinska. The recording underscored the festival’s commitment to spotlighting behind-the-scenes roles in cinema.

Swann d’Or Awards and Tapis Rouge Events

The festival’s traditional tapis rouge (red carpet) events took place on June 12 and 13, 2026, with celebrity arrivals along the Promenade Marcel-Proust. The Jeune Création ceremony, honoring emerging talent, occurred on June 12 at 7:45 p.m., while the Swann d’Or awards, celebrating established figures, were held on June 13 at 7:30 p.m. Isabelle Huppert received the Swann d’honneur on June 12, 2026, with a screening of *La Dentellière* by Claude Goretta, featuring the actress in attendance.

Ciné-Plage Feature Films on the Beach

From June 12 to 13, 2026, the festival’s *Ciné-Plage* series offered free screenings of romantic classics on a large outdoor screen at the beach. Highlights included *La Dentellière* (June 12, 10:30 p.m.), *Champs célestes* (June 13, 10:30 p.m.), and *Arco* (June 13, 10:30 p.m.). Admission was free but limited, with tickets available at physical points of sale.

Notable Attendees and Festival Highlights

Among the celebrities expected at the festival were Emmanuelle Béart, Mélanie Thierry, Xavier Dolan, and Agnès Jaoui, who presided over the long-film jury. The event also featured a charity concert by Robert Charlebois on June 12, 2026, benefiting the Institut Imagine, a research center for genetic diseases. Tickets for the festival ranged from €5 to €50, with discounted rates for young people and job seekers.

For more information, visit the official Cabourg Romantic Film Festival website or check local listings for event details.