The French Riviera Film Festival (FRFF) returns for its eighth edition on May 15–16, 2026, revealing a distinguished selection of finalist short films that exemplify the artistry and innovation of global short-form storytelling. The announcement was made today by festival co-founder Nicole Goesseringer Muj and executive producer Kate Elfatah.
Since its inception in 2019, FRFF has cultivated a reputation as a premier boutique festival dedicated to elevating short-form content across film, television, web, and emerging digital platforms. Set against the iconic backdrop of Cannes, the exclusive two-day program offers a curated experience featuring screenings, the highly anticipated Global Entertainment Showcase (details to follow), private VIP receptions, and an elegant closing gala awards ceremony.
“Each edition of the French Riviera Film Festival continues to elevate its presence on the global stage,” says Muj. “This year’s selection beautifully reflects the intersection of artistry and innovation, and we are proud to present these exceptional voices in Cannes.”
The 2026 Finalist and Special Mention films will be recognized across an array of categories, including AI (Artificial Intelligence), Micro Short, Student, Animation, Sci-Fi/Horror, Comedy, Documentary, Music Video, Fashion, Experimental, Commercial, Drama, and Screenwriting.
“This year’s finalists reflect a refined and globally resonant approach to storytelling. It’s a privilege to showcase such compelling work in Cannes, where cinema is celebrated at its highest level,” adds Elfatah.
At the official opening reception and closing awards ceremony, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, One to Watch and Industry Excellence awards will also be presented (more details to follow). FRFF festival attendees and participants include filmmakers, industry executives, celebrities, media and influencers.
Festival screenings are free to attend and will be held live over two days from 10 am to 3 pm on May 15th and 9 am to 3 pm on May 16th at the Eden Hotel & Spa (133 rue d’Antibes), with special ‘by invitation only’ receptions and awards events planned after each day’s screenings at the Bel-Air Fine Art Gallery and Eden Hotel & Spa.
FRFF’s Finalist and Special Mention films will also screen online beginning May 15th and 16th on Entertainment Oxygen’s eoFlix platform.
Event partners include Eden Hotel and Spa, Bel-Air Fine Art, eoflix, AIX Rosé, Cardinal du Four, filmfestivals.com, Indie Entertainment Media, and Just Cinema Magazine. Gift bag partners include Ready Set Jet, Velvet Eyewear, and others.
FRFF’s Advisory Board includes Joan Burney Keatings, chief executive, Cinemagic; Bruno Chatelin, COO, filmfestivals.com (also on festival jury), Larry Namer, president/CEO, Metan Global Entertainment Group, Ana B. Remos, vice president, editorial director & founder, azureazure.com (also on festival jury), Dr. Laura Wilhelm, founder/principal, and LauraWil Intercultural (also on festival jury). Jury members include Rehna Azim, awards editor, Movie Marker; Lena Basse, journalist, Golden Globes; Claude Brickell, filmmaker, screenwriter and educator; Ron Fogel, journalist, Golden Globes; Giovanni Menicocci, Mauxa/Daily Bloid; James Prestige, publisher, actor Martín Rodriguez, Close-Up Culture; entertainment attorney Tshombe Sampson; Eileen Tasca, managing director, Alien Films & Task Films; and Sue Vicory, founder, Heartland Films and womendocumentaryfilmmakers.com.
French Riviera Film Festival Founders Gotham Chandna of Cloud 21 PR International and Nicole Goesseringer Muj of Kultura PR International, and partner Kate Elfatah (founder, HoM Consulting) have produced numerous industry special events, including the annual “Global Entertainment Showcase” during the Cannes Film Festival and Marché du Film, the annual “Production Without Borders” event during AFM, the annual Indie Entertainment Showcase in Park City, Utah, and “A Salute to Akira Kurosawa” with China’s Jinke Entertainment in Cannes. The companies have co-produced events and worked with top entertainment and technology brands, including Cinando, Creative Coalition, Davines North America, E! Entertainment Television, ECU Film Festival, Eurocinema, Euromed, FlixSnip, Maverick Entertainment, Metan Global Entertainment Group, Oculus, Sony Interactive, Vesilind, 8K Miles Media Group, FanVestor, plus many others.
Photos/Videos Courtesy of FRFF. (Poster: Official Artwork created with AI)
