Cannes Lumière Shorts Festival ( formerly, The Paris International Short Awards), now entering its fourth year, is dedicated to championing bold, innovative cinema that challenges conventions and pushes boundaries. We seek out films that offer fresh, subversive perspectives, providing a platform for emerging voices often overlooked by mainstream outlets.

Our mission goes beyond screenings: we aim to support filmmakers—especially those at the start of their careers—in finding a global audience for their unique visions.

Whether you’re a seasoned director or just beginning with a small, independent project, we welcome your submissions. We believe that groundbreaking cinema comes in all forms and sizes. Our goal is to create an opportunity for filmmakers to have their work seen, appreciated, and celebrated.

Since our inception, we’ve steadily grown from humble beginnings. Though we started with limited resources, we’ve built meaningful in-person events that connect filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals. These gatherings have become a vital space for emerging creators to share their voices, exchange ideas, and build their careers.

Cannes Lumière Short Festival is more than a screening venue—it’s a celebration of creative courage and artistic risk. We’re committed to discovering and amplifying the next generation of filmmakers who dare to tell stories that matter.

Cannes Lumière Short Festival carefully selects and curates a lineup of outstanding short films to be screened at its yearly live event at Cinema Arcades
, one of Cannes’s most iconic and historic cinemas. This in-person gathering offers filmmakers a rare and meaningful opportunity to present their work on the big screen before a live, engaged audience. The screenings are followed by interactive Q&A sessions, where attending filmmakers can discuss their creative process, answer audience questions, and receive insightful feedback from the audience.

In addition to the live event, all winning projects are offered the opportunity to participate in an online showcase, significantly expanding the reach of their films to a global audience. This includes digital promotion via the festival’s website, social media platforms, and affiliated networks, helping to boost visibility and create new professional opportunities.
Furthermore, each winning filmmaker is awarded an official certificate, recognizing their achievement. These certificates, along with information about the winning films, are featured on the festival’s website, ensuring that recognition continues beyond the physical event.

Please note that, as an independent and self-funded initiative, Cannes Lumière Shorts Festival is unable to provide accommodation or travel expenses for filmmakers attending the event in Cannes. Nonetheless, attending in person is strongly encouraged, as the event offers a unique space for networking, exposure, and creative exchange in one of the world’s most culturally rich cities.