Festivals - Carcassonne International Political Film Festival 2024: A committed edition rich in cinematic discoveries

By Mulder, 02 december 2024

Since its creation in 2018, the Festival International du Film Politique de Carcassonne (FIFP) has become a must-attend event for film enthusiasts and citizens curious to understand political and societal issues through art. This annual event stands out for its ability to transform the medieval town of Carcassonne into a crossroads for reflection and exchange, where cinema is used as a prism to explore universal issues. The 2024 edition, to be held from January 16 to 20, promises to be particularly ambitious, with a dense and diverse program.

This year's festival features a selection of 44 works, including 38 features and 7 shorts, representing 28 nationalities. With 36 premieres, this year's edition confirms the IFFP's role as a springboard for committed, often unpublished, works that question our world. Themes addressed include the rise of populism, social fractures, global conflicts, the climate crisis and the struggle for human rights. These subjects, tackled through poignant narratives and singular artistic perspectives, illustrate the festival's mission to promote cinema that challenges and questions.

The official competition features works exploring a wide range of themes. Among the feature-length fiction films, Aïcha by Mehdi M. Barsaoui (Tunisia/France) tells the story of a young woman confronted with a police blunder in a context of social repression. April by Dea Kulumbegashvili (Georgia/France) highlights the struggle of a gynecologist against a patriarchal society, while La Pampa by Antoine Chevrollier (France) explores the complex dynamics of a friendship against a backdrop of secrets and rural tensions. In the documentary category, films such as Rising Up at Night by Nelson Makengo (DR Congo) and Château Rouge by Hélène Milano (France) offer sensitive, intimate portraits of societies facing major challenges.

The short films, a veritable laboratory of creativity, provide an incisive perspective on sometimes taboo subjects. Works such as Titanic, Suitable Version for Iranian Families by Farnoosh Samadi and Shadows by Rand Beiruty explore issues of censorship and identity with remarkable depth. These short works explore innovative and powerful narratives, often outside traditional narrative frameworks.

One of the highlights of this year's event will be a tribute to Costa-Gavras, a legend of political cinema. He will be premiering his latest film, Le Dernier Souffle (The Last Breath), inspired by Régis Debray's book of the same name. The film, which deals with the end of life with sensitivity and depth, will be followed by an exceptional meeting with the director, offering the public a privileged moment to exchange views with this indisputable artist.

The FIFP 2024 is not just a film festival, it is also committed to an ambitious educational mission. With over 1,500 schoolchildren expected to attend screenings and workshops, the festival plays a key role in raising young people's awareness of civic issues. The school program includes films such as Tobie Lolness and Louise Violet, which enable students to reflect on contemporary themes while developing their critical thinking skills. The Jury Jeune, made up of students from disadvantaged neighborhoods, will award the Prix des Collégiens, reinforcing their active role in the event.

The professional meetings, organized on January 16 and 17 at the Odeum, are another essential part of the festival. These days of discussion will tackle subjects such as social diversity in French fiction and the impact of cinema in a context of global conflict. These exchanges will bring together film professionals, scriptwriters, producers and distributors to explore how cinema can contribute to a better understanding of the fractures and mutations of our societies.

Inclusivity is a core value of the IFFP, as demonstrated by the existence of the all-women MGallery Jury, which will award a special prize to encourage diversity and female representation in cinema. At the same time, audiences will be invited to vote for their favorite works in the fiction, documentary and short film categories, reinforcing the interaction between the festival and its spectators.

The 2024 edition will take place in emblematic Carcassonne venues such as Le Colisée cinema, the Centre de Congrès - Le Dôme and the Odeum. These venues, in harmony with the city's historic heritage, offer a unique setting for discovering cinematic works that challenge conventional wisdom and provoke reflection.

With over 80 screenings and a demanding program, the FIFP 2024 promises to leave a lasting impression. This festival, which strives each year to push back the boundaries of creativity and commitment, remains a vital space for celebrating the role of cinema in society. Whether you're a passionate cinephile or a committed citizen, the Carcassonne International Political Film Festival 2024 is an event not to be missed.

(Source : press kit)