French Riviera Film Festival has unveiled the official trailer for its 2026 edition as the boutique short-form festival prepares to return to Cannes for its eighth year, celebrating innovative global storytelling.
The festival, co-founded by Nicole Goesseringer Muj and executive produced by Kate Elfatah, will take place May 15 and 16 during the Festival de Cannes. “This year reflects both the elegance of the setting and the innovation of today’s storytellers,” said Elfatah. “FRFF has become a destination for discovering compelling short-form content while fostering meaningful connections within the global creative community.”
The newly released trailer teases another year of international short-form programming spanning film, television, digital content, commercial work, fashion films, AI projects, and experimental storytelling.
Among this year’s highlights is a special out-of-competition screening of Free Bird, written, directed by, and starring Christian James Madsen. The presentation will mark the film’s official debut and will be followed by a Q&A with Madsen. Watch below:
During the festival’s opening reception at Bel Air Fine Art Gallery, Madsen and multidisciplinary artist Eva Lanska will also receive special awards in recognition of their artistic contributions. “We are delighted to honor Christian James Madsen and Eva Lanska, whose work embodies a distinctive artistic vision and a dedication to pushing creative boundaries,” noted Muj. “Recognizing artists of this caliber in Cannes underscores our commitment to celebrating excellence across film and contemporary art.”
Madsen is known for roles in Divergent, Palo Alto, and Mr. Church, while continuing to expand into writing and directing. Lanska’s work as an artist, curator, and filmmaker has been recognized internationally for its exploration of identity and cultural heritage.
Founded in 2019, FRFF has steadily carved out a niche during Cannes by spotlighting short-form and emerging storytelling formats across categories, including AI, micro short, animation, sci-fi/horror, comedy, documentary, fashion, music video, commercial, drama, and screenwriting.
Festival screenings will take place at Eden Hotel & Spa and are free to the public, while select receptions and gala events will remain invitation-only. Select films will also stream online beginning May 15 via eoFlix.
This year’s partners for The French Riviera Film Festival include Eden Hotel & Spa, Bel-Air Fine Art, eoFlix, AIX Rosé, FilmFestivals.com, and Just Cinema Magazine, among others.
REELated:
Sean Baker, Jameela Jamil among those at Eli Roth Cannes Luncheon
