An institution since 1994, the Gérardmer International Fantastic Film Festival (Fantastic’Arts) has introduced French audiences to cult works. A major date for fans of the genre. 33rd edition in 2026 from 27 January to 1 February, theme Bas les masques, Indonesian cinema in the spotlight, tribute to Neil Marshall, jury chaired by Alice Taglioni, Olga Kurylenko as guest of honour. Official programme at festival-gerardmer.com.
The concept
A week of screenings, meetings with directors, masterclasses, previews. Several venues: the Casino, the Espace L.A.C., outdoor screenings over the frozen lake in some years.
The selections
- International competition: unseen feature films
- Short film selection
- Thematic retrospectives
- Young audience section adapted
The experience
- Queue 30 to 45 min before some screenings to get a good seat
- Bars and restaurants packed at night, booking strongly recommended
- Several costume nights in the village during the week
- Week pass on sale from October for keen cinephiles
Sleeping in La Bresse during the festival
15 min from Gérardmer, La Bresse offers a calm base away from the festival bustle, with the upside of a chalet, a private spa in the evening and skiing at the cinema’s doorstep. See our chalets.
Not to miss
- Closing night and the prize ceremony
- American previews presented by their director
- The all-night screenings on the weekend
Frequently asked questions
When is the Fantastic' Arts Festival?
Late January to early February each year. The 2026 (33rd) edition ran from 27 January to 1 February on the theme Bas les masques, with a jury chaired by Alice Taglioni.
Where is the official programme?
On festival-gerardmer.com. Accreditations and passes open several months in advance.
Do you need to book tickets?
Yes, many screenings sell out. Week pass or daily pass, online ticketing opens in autumn.
Where to stay during the festival?
Gérardmer fills up fast. La Bresse, 15 minutes away, is a quieter alternative with chalets and a spa for nights between films.