Meet writer-producer Claire Paoletti and director Julien Bisaro, the creative team behind Shooom’s Odyssey, a heartwarming tale about a baby owl’s search for her mother.

Illustrator, graphic novelist, and Le Monde cartoonist Aurel will speak about his first feature film, a striking homage to illustrator Josep Bartolí. He will be joined by screenwriter Jean-Louis Milesi and Bartoli’s widow Bernice Bromberg.

In this wonder-filled journey through the mind of a brilliant animator, Kristof Serrand will guide us through the paintings, films, and artists that have influenced his work. After a long and storied tenure at DreamWorks, Serrand is now at Netflix.

César Award–nominated Benoît Chieux discusses his much-anticipated feature film Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds. Two sisters embark on an unforgettable adventure when they find a secret passage and step into the extraordinary universe of their favorite book.

Anca Damian, director of 2019’s award-winning Marona’s Fantastic Tale, returns to Animation First to share her newest project, The Island, a musical comedy and “upside-down Robinson Crusoe” story set in the Mediterranean.

Acclaimed artist and animator Florence Miailhe, interviewed by Dimitri Granovsky, speaks about her soon-to-be-released debut feature film, The Crossing. The highly anticipated film tells the story of two young migrants—a brother and a sister—left to fend for themselves after their parents’ arrest.

Go inside one of the most desirable incubators for animated film, the International Residency for Animated Films at the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud in Loire Valley, and meet a new generation of French animators.

Join New York Tech and Animation First for a spirited discussion on the role of animation in our society.

Author of many short films and a recent award-winning first feature, The Crossing, Florence Miailhe, Animation First 2022’s guest of honor, discusses the inspiration behind her carefully crafted and deeply poetic films.

Animation experts will discuss the influence films created by The Walt Disney Company have had on French animation, and the fascinating history between the two countries’ industries as far back as the mid 20th century.

Legendary director Michel Ocelot will discuss his career from the critical success of Kirikou and the Sorceress to his most recent feature, Dilili in Paris, which premiered in France in June 2018.

Special guests from Atari and Ubisoft will discuss the history of video games, current trends, and predictions for the industry. They will address the various steps in making a video game, and skills needed to work in the industry.

Emmanuel Linot and Jean-François Szlapka from the French-based virtual production studio SolidAnim will discuss techniques that they used to create visually stunning effects for the film White Fang and other projects.

Join Canadian filmmaker Michèle Lemieux and representatives of France’s national agency for cinema (CNC) for an in-depth conversation on the pinscreen instrument.

Co-directors Zabou Breitman and Eléa Gobbé-Mévellec, and actress Hiam Abbass present an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Swallows of Kabul, a film based on the bestselling novel by Yasmina Khadra.

Join us for a special event looking at how Paris and New York City work together to combat threats of terrorism.

Join us for a special evening with celebrated French screen and stage actress Isabelle Huppert. A screening of the documentary I Love Isabelle Huppert (2017) will be followed by an exclusive conversation with Ms. Huppert and journalist Adam Gopnik.

Enjoy an intimate luncheon, featuring exclusive French wines and a fascinating conversation between Catherine Pégard, President of the Château de Versailles, and Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, co-owner of Château Mouton Rothschild. The conversation will be led by Philippe de Montebello, Director Emeritus of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Jean-Paul Agon, the visionary Chairman and CEO of L’Oréal, in conversation with acclaimed author Dr. Andrew Molinsky, will discuss the pillars of cross-cultural management in today’s changing digital landscape and his continued leadership in responsible innovation.

Fashion icon and Vogue contributing editor André Leon Talley will interview acclaimed designer and writer Nathalie Rykiel about her memoir Ecoute-moi bien and the lasting legacy of her mother Sonia Rykiel. Followed by a book signing and reception.

Film editor Benjamin Massoubre will discuss his collaboration with director Jérémy Clapin and his role in shaping the award-winning film I Lost My Body (2019), as well as the stakes in editing in the animation industry.

In this special conversation, Jean-François Laguionie, Animation First’s Guest of Honor, will discuss his rich body of work as a visual artist, writer, and filmmaker over the course of his 50-year career.

In Brazen, directors Phuong Mai Nguyen and Charlotte Cambon de Lavalette adapt the best-selling graphic novel by Penelope Bagieu, which shines light on 30 women—some well-known and others less so—whose determination, boldness, and strength changed the times and societies in which they lived.

Director Jérémie Périn (Lastman), screenwriter Laurent Sarfati, and producer Didier Crest present the process behind their forthcoming feature, Mars Express.

In this career-spanning discussion, Lorenzo Mattotti discusses his work, from his iconic magazine illustrations to his transition to the silver screen with New Yorker art editor Françoise Mouly.

This discussion will bring together women from a variety of perspectives, who are currently working in animation in Europe. They will discuss the state of the industry, what is currently at stake for women, and challenges that lie ahead.

Raphaël Liogier, sociologist, philosopher, and author of Heart of Maleness: An Exploration explores the roots of gender inequality and its many manifestations in a conversation with author Mark Greene.

The discussion will delve into the themes and subjects that infused Chantal Akerman’s films, her process, and the wide-ranging inspirations that contributed to her rich and eclectic body of work.

Rob Reich, Stanford University Professor and philanthropy expert, Axelle Davezac, CEO of Fondation de France, and Hilary Pennington, Executive Vice President for Program at the Ford Foundation, engage in a cross-cultural conversation on the relationship of philanthropy to government.

Join bestselling historical fiction author Karin Tanabe for a LIVE online event celebrating the release of her fifth book, A Hundred Suns. Set in 1930’s Indochine, the evocative tale is full of romance, suspense, and surprise twists.

Leading French beauty expert, author, and influencer Clémence von Mueffling, in a special conversation with journalist Melissa Ceria, will share self-care tips and simple beauty routines that you can do at home. In English.

French economist Thomas Piketty discusses inequality in the world today, marking the US release of Capital and Ideology, the audacious follow-up to his bestseller Capital in the Twenty-First Century.

Celebrated career diplomat and acclaimed author Gérard Araud gives a unique analysis of the global COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the new world order.

Eight-time BMX champion Matthias Dandois will perform acrobatics on his bike as part of a special FIAF:Talks event on how athletes have been coping with confinement during the COVID-19 crisis. He will be joined by former professional tennis player and sports broadcaster Patrick McEnroe.

Acclaimed French violinist Renaud Capuçon shares a selection of his stunning “quarantine” videos, and in a conversation with New York Times classical music editor Zachary Woolfe, discusses how the pandemic has radically changed the music world.

Visionary intellectual Jacques Attali, joined by economist and New York Times bestselling author Dambisa Moyo, discusses the current pandemic, its impact on the world economy, and how we can look ahead with “positivism.”

Cyril Dion, one of the leading figures advocating for climate change action in France today, and Luc Hardy, a French-American explorer, environmental advocate, and Arctic specialist, discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping environmental practices.

Filmmakers Dominique Abel and Fiona Gordon will participate in a live discussion about The Fairy, part of FIAF’s May CinéSalon series. They will talk about their process on The Fairy as well as their longstanding collaboration as writers, directors and actors.

In advance of a major retrospective at the Centre Pompidou, world famous artist Christo reflects on his career creating remarkable environmental works of art with his wife and artistic partner, Jeanne-Claude. He gives us an inside look at his upcoming project, Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped (2020).

In solidarity with #blackouttuesday and #theshowmustbepaused, this event is postponed.

French sex expert and columnist Maïa Mazaurette leads a special late night conversation about how the current pandemic and consequent confinement are reshaping erotic relationships.

Two experienced practitioners of being confined in extreme conditions—Baudry who delved below the sea and Ansari who ventured into space—discuss how to cope with the particular challenges of having to stay put.

Get a special look inside the acclaimed French espionage series, The Bureau, with creator and showrunner Eric Rochant. Plus, enjoy exclusive early access to the first two episodes of Season 5 and binge Seasons 1-4.

Dive into the world of Middle East history and politics that paint the backdrop of the French television show The Bureau. Gilles Kepel, a leading French scholar of Middle East studies, separates fiction from reality in a conversation with New York Times journalist, Robert F. Worth.

FIAF Members are invited to a special virtual literary evening with award-winning author Maurice Samuels. In a conversation with acclaimed author Caroline Weber, Samuels will discuss his recently released book, The Betrayal of the Duchess.

Join FIAF Young Patrons for an evening of French cuisine—three delicious courses—paired with Pommery Brut Royal Champagne and Chapelle Gordonne 2019 wine. A panel of experts will share their tips on how to entertain in style and transform a dinner at home or a virtual gathering into an elevated memorable experience.

Watch the beautifully absurd political comedy Wonders in the Suburbs online and join us for a virtual discussion with the film’s director and star, the acclaimed French actress Jeanne Balibar.

Beauty innovator, entrepreneur, and sustainability advocate Frédéric Fekkai will talk about how he reinvented the salon experience. Additionally, the famous stylist will share summer self-care tips and simple hair routines that you can do at home.

Join Louise Vongerichten Ulukaya and Cédric Vongerichten in a conversation with their father, Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, about the future of the food industry and the family’s philanthropic work through their Food Dreams Foundation.

Enjoy critically acclaimed French animation gems, from the Oscar-nominated I Lost My Body and the noir sci-fi film Renaissance voiced by Daniel Craig to a collection of exciting shorts from the César Awards and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

No kids allowed—French animation is known for its daring use of the medium and has robust works in unexpected genres including eroticism, fantasy, science fiction, and suspense—all of which will keep you at the edge of your seat!

Over three years of the Animation First festival, FIAF has honored three extraordinary pioneers of French Animation: Michael Dudok de Wit, Michel Ocelot, and Jean-François Laguionie. Rediscover some of their most iconic works!

The Democrats are gearing up to defeat Donald Trump in less than 60 days. American political strategist Paul Begala, former advisor to Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and French political scientist Célia Belin, who spent months following Democratic candidates for her book Des Démocrates en Amérique, will offer their perspectives on this critical election.

The Ladd brothers provide insight into their new exhibition that explores the turbulent world of inmates in NYC’s Department of Corrections.

Lindsey Tramuta, who profiles a new generation of feminists in The New Parisienne: the Women & Ideas Shaping Paris, discusses the #MeToo era with two of her profile subjects: journalist and host of feminist podcast “La Poudre” Lauren Bastide and entrepreneur Ariane Bernard.

Take a fresh look at the work of French screen legend Michel Piccoli with acclaimed French journalist and TV personality Olivier Barrot. The presentation by Barrot, in English, will be followed by a lively discussion with participants.

Netflix’s breakout hit Emily in Paris has been hotly debated by fans and critics in both the US and France. New York Times bestselling author Elaine Sciolino leads a lively discussion about the show with French students from both sides of the Atlantic.

To mark the 20th anniversary of Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, the house’s founder discusses his radical vision that revolutionized the perfume industry with journalist Melissa Ceria.

Is the popular Netflix series à la mode on the streets of Paris? Our panel of fashion experts and influencers, including Lola Rykiel, Jessica Michault, and Rebecca Leffler, discusses.

Animation First opens with a bang with the US premiere of Calamity Jane, a feminist western about the early life of the legendary Wild West figure Martha Jane Cannary. Only available on opening night, the film will be followed the next day by a special behind-the-scenes discussion with director Rémi Chayé.

The Left Bank, Paris’s engine of artistic innovation and political debate, has also been central to the Black experience in the City of Light. Kévi Donat of Le Paris Noir leads a tour exploring Black History across two centuries within a few blocks of this influential neighborhood.

Meet Alice Zeniter and Omar El Akkad, two bestselling novelists who have used their work to explore ignored chapters in history, give voice to the disenfranchised, and challenge national myths.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bordeaux, for centuries, has been a city where architecture and urban planning have manifested profound concepts on how citizens live together. Barry Bergdoll, art history and archaeology professor at Columbia University, and Fabrizio Gallanti, director of arc en rêve centre d’architecture in Bordeaux, explore the idea of “city” through this tour of Bordeaux’s past and present.

Three leading French cultural organizations based in New York bring together more than a dozen thinkers from the U.S. and France for a transatlantic festival investigating the state of liberté d’expression or free speech in the age of what has been called “cancel culture.”

Eric Mourlot, in a conversation with Pepe Karmel, Professor of Art History at NYU, discusses the fascinating French Galerie Mourlot’s history and its groundbreaking collaborations with some of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The talk kicks off an exclusive 20% off sale of Mourlot Editions lithographic posters to benefit FIAF.

Melissa Errico and Adam Gopnik will discuss their recent collaborations for FIAF: the three-concert series, ll Parle, Elle Chante — Love, Desire & Mystery, and the CinéSalon series Out of the Dark: The Mystery of Film Noir.

Jeff Koons, one of the most important, influential, and popular artists of the post-war era, in a conversation with art historian Joachim Pissarro, will look back at his longstanding connection to France, focusing on his extraordinary exhibition in Versailles.

In conversation with Olivier Gabet, director of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, Victoire de Castellane, creative director of Dior Joaillerie, will share her approach to jewelry and describe where she finds inspiration.

From Lady Gaga’s bespoke gown at President Biden’s inauguration to Beyoncé’s showstopper leather mini dress at the Grammy Awards, Maison Schiaparelli has made fashion headlines this year. CEO Delphine Bellini will talk about the fabulous heritage of this revolutionary Couture House and its unexpected revival.

Explore some of the Paris region’s most innovative architecture on a virtual tour of Boulogne-Billancourt. Adjacent to Paris on the banks of the Seine, this beautiful city served as a true architectural laboratory in the 1930s.

In this roundtable discussion, a panel of French and American filmmakers, producers, and talent managers will discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion in the film industries of both countries.

Discover the splendor of Château de Haroué, an unrivaled treasure of Gallic culture and heritage in the Lorraine region of France. Princess Minnie de Beauvau-Craon and her daughter, Victoria Botana de Beauvau-Craon take us inside their home and discuss their efforts to keep the castle’s legacy alive. Moderated by JC Agid.

Meet Anish Melwani, Chairman & CEO of LVMH Inc at an exclusive breakfast at FIAF. Author Erwan Rambourg will interview Melwani about the ever-increasing demand for iconic luxury goods in the US and its impact on LVMH, particularly in terms of sustainability and consumer identity.

Roundtable discussion with Pierre-André de Chalendar, Chairman of Saint-Gobain; Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO of the Partnership for New York City; and Thaddeus Pawlowski, Managing Director of the Center for Resilient Cities and Landscapes at Columbia University. Moderated by Diane Brady, Assistant Managing Editor of Forbes.

Christian Dior remains one of the most renowned and influential fashion designers of the 20th century. Marie-France Pochna, author of Christian Dior: Destiny: The Authorized Biography, and Matthew Yokobosky, who collaborated on the Brooklyn Museum’s current exhibition Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams, will speak about the visionary couturier. A Q&A and book-signing will follow.

Director Benjamin Massoubre presents the creative process behind the forthcoming feature Little Nicholas, based on the eponymous book series about a little boy. He will be joined, live from France, by co-director Amandine Fredon.

In this Work in Progress, Alain Ughetto will discuss his journey in crafting this very personal film based on the story of his own family who left their homeland in Piedmont, Italy to settle in France at the turn of the 20th century.

Director Jérémie Hoarau will discuss the process behind this new season and the important changes he introduced. He will be joined, remotely from France, by several of the series writers. The event will include the US premiere of the first full episode.

In this Work in Progress, Ilan Urroz, executive producer, will be on hand to discuss this much anticipated film with clips and images. He will be joined online by filmmaker Jim Capobianco who will address the creative choices he made with Granjon for their stop-motion and 2-D drawn adventure film and how they work as a team from LA and the South of France.

Uncanny Stories is a horror anthology conceived and created by artists passionate about the genre. For this exclusive prerecorded Work in Progress, all the writers gathered together to discuss the creation of the series and the artistic choices they made to adapt the classic horror stories.

Co-presented with Women in Animation. The discussion will bring together women in their mid-career who work in different positions in the animation pipeline in France and the US.

Acclaimed author and essayist Adam Gopnik and Broadway director Erica Schmidt discuss Molière’s extraordinary literary and theatrical body of work and reveal its relevance in today’s world.

Three years ago, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, one of France’s most historic landmarks, was nearly destroyed in a tragic fire. Learn about the restoration efforts and their progress during this virtual discussion with National Geographic journalist Robert Kunzig and Jérémie Patrier-Leitus, Director of Communication, Development and Cultural Programming for the public establishment dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.

Join Aude Adrien and Anne Picq for a conversation about their new book, New York : au cœur de la création contemporaine. Discover New York’s dynamic contemporary art scene, as they map the city’s most interesting artists and cultural institutions across the five boroughs.

Join us for a discussion in homage to Virgil Abloh, one of the most influential fashion designers of the last few decades. One year after his tragic passing, we remember Abloh’s legacy as the iconic founder of Off-White and the Creative Director of Menswear for Louis Vuitton. Presented in partnership with Institut Français de la Mode.

Rediscover French cinema favorites with Antonio Monda and Sean Price Williams as they discuss the films that have inspired them. Their secret selections (to be revealed during the talk) include a 1940s noir and a 1980s dystopian drama, amongst others that will surely surprise you!

The entertainment industry is constantly evolving. While audiences and distributors are ravenous for content, it’s a difficult terrain for creators to navigate. This panel, co-hosted by non-profits FIAF and French in Motion, will discuss the current landscape of the animation industry, the genres, formats and pitches distributors are currently looking for, and the strategies for getting your idea in front of the right people.

In this Work in Progress, award-winning Iranian filmmmaker Sepideh Farsi will detail the artistic choices she made for her upcoming film, The Siren. The film tells the story of Omid, a young boy living in Abadan during the 1980 Iraqi siege of the Iranian petrol city.

Join Little Nicholas – Happy as can be co-directors Amandine Fredon and Benjamin Massoubre, Françoise Mouly, the artistic director of the New Yorker, and gallerist Martine Gossieaux for an illuminating conversation surrounding the making of the film, and the continued appeal and appreciation of both Sempé and Le Petit Nicolas.

In this Work in Progress, co-directors and co-writers Chiara Malta and Sébastien Laundenbach will discuss the creative process behind Chicken for Linda!, their new feature. The animated adventure features a mother on the frantic run to cook her daughter’s favorite dish, chicken with peppers.

Award-winning screenwriter, filmmaker, and Animation First 2023 Guest of Honor Anca Damian will discuss her new film, The Island, its AR companion piece, In Search of Paradise, as well as current projects and career highlights. The conversation and Q&A will be moderated by Richard Pena, former Director of Programming at New York Film Festival.

Artist Cédric Babouche and producer Aymeric Castaing present a closer look at the making of the video game, Dordogne. The stunningly beautiful video game prototype allows players to delve into the Dordogne region of France, experiencing its vibrant landscapes within hand-painted watercolor environments. The conversation will be moderated by Francesco Antolini, Game Designer and Instructor at NYU Game Center.

Patrice Louvet, President and CEO of Ralph Lauren Corporation, joins author and business analyst Erwan Rambourg for a conversation about French-American fashion, sustainability, and other issues currently facing the luxury retail market.

Dr. Violetta Zujovic, a founding member of the Paris Brain Institute Gender Equity Committee, and Alyse Nelson, President of Vital Voices Global Partnership, will lead a conversation on the origins and impact of gender bias.

FIAF welcomes landscape designer Bas Smets to discuss his vision for redeveloping the historical landscape surrounding the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral. New York–based landscape architect James Corner joins Smets for this conversation moderated by Harvard professor Sara Zewde. The evening concludes with a wine reception.

FIAF welcomes filmmaker Luc Hardy in conversation with journalist Tim Sohn. The program will include a video presentation and insightful discussion surrounding environmental advocacy, as well as Hardy’s documentary film and photography projects.

Taking inspiration from the FIAF Gallery exhibition, Homecoming, cinephiles Antonio Monda and Annette Insdorf discuss their favorite French films around the theme of family and celebration.

FIAF Montclair welcomes renowned Lebanese graphic novelist Joseph Kai for an evening of conversation to celebrate the newly published English translation of Kai’s acclaimed first book, L’Intranquille—now titled Restless (Street Noise, 2023). The book is a reflection on contemporary Beirut inspired by the author’s life, explored through the experiences of a young, queer comic book artist named Samar.

French in Motion, FIAF and Villa Albertine present a special panel: Confluence of Creativity: Exploring Art, Narratives, and Technologies.

Graphic designer and filmmaker Zaven Najjar presents Allah is Not Obliged (Allah n’est pas obligé), his first feature film based on the eponymous international bestseller by Ivory Coast author Ahmadou Kourouma

Peter de Sève guides us through the artworks and artists that have influenced his work and spurred his creative process. Peter will also be available to sign copies of his limited edition Animation First poster and books.

Join award-winning filmmaker Janet Perlman as she screens a collection of her short films, followed by a lively discussion about her creations and inspirations.

Discover director Anaïs Caura’s latest work in progress, the Life of Eugène Falleni, or Eugène. Caura will discuss her interest in this real-life story and her graphic and narrative choices. Eugène relays the story of Eugène Falleni, an Italian-Australian transgender man convicted of the 1917 murder of his wife, and scrutinized for his identity.