48th Festival des 3 Continents 2026 | Nantes, France
Overview
The Festival des 3 Continents is a prestigious international film festival that has been a cornerstone of global cinephilia since its founding in 1979 by Philippe and Alain Jalladeau. Dedicated to the discovery and promotion of feature-length fiction and documentary films from Africa, Latin America, and Asia, the festival transforms the city of Nantes into a vital gateway for voices often unheard in mainstream Western cinema. Its mission is to bridge cultures through the medium of film, fostering a deep dialogue between the global South and European audiences.
For its 48th edition in 2026, the festival continues to uphold its tradition of artistic excellence and daring curation. The program typically features approximately 80 films, organized into an international competition, major retrospectives, and thematic spotlights. Celebrated for revealing masters such as Wong Kar-wai, Abbas Kiarostami, and Hirokazu Kore-eda, the festival remains an essential destination for discovering the “grandmasters” of tomorrow and engaging with the evolving language of contemporary world cinema.
Beyond the screenings, the festival is a hub for professional development and community engagement. It hosts the influential “Produire au Sud” (PAS) workshops, which provide young directors and producers from the three continents with the tools for international co-production. With over 26,000 attendees annually, the event blends a festive atmosphere with rigorous academic discourse, offering masterclasses, concerts, and public debates that celebrate the rich diversity of the human experience across the globe.
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Event Highlights
- Official International Competition: A selection of recent fiction and documentary films competing for the prestigious Montgolfière d’Or (Golden Balloon) and Montgolfière d’Argent awards.
- Retrospectives & Tributes: Curated deep dives into the filmography of legendary directors or historically significant film movements from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Produire au Sud Workshops: An industry-leading incubator program that facilitates international co-productions and supports the growth of independent cinema in the South.
- First Steps Towards the 3 Continents: A specialized program designed for young audiences (ages 4 to 10), introducing children to world cultures through carefully selected international cinema.
Why Attend
Cinephiles and professional critics should attend to experience a world-class selection of films that are rarely accessible in commercial theaters or on mainstream streaming platforms. The festival’s reputation for “scouting” talent makes it a primary destination for those who want to stay ahead of global cinematic trends and witness premieres that will likely define the awards circuit in the coming years.
Travelers seeking a deep cultural immersion and students of international relations will find the festival to be a profound educational resource. Set against the historic and vibrant backdrop of Nantes, the event offers more than just movies; it provides a direct connection to the social, political, and artistic realities of the three continents through post-screening Q&As and cross-cultural festivities.
Date & Duration
- Event Dates: In the month of November (dates to be announced).
- Total Duration: The festival typically spans 8 to 10 days of continuous screenings and events.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets can be purchased online through the festival’s official website or at physical box offices located at partner cinemas like Le Katorza.
- Admission Type: Various options are available including single-session tickets, 5-ticket booklets (carnets), and a full Festival Pass for unlimited access.
- Ticket Pricing: Single tickets are generally priced between $8.20 and $12.50, while the comprehensive Festival Pass is approximately $77.00 to $93.00.
- Price Range: Prices start as low as $3.80 for special youth or concession screenings and reach a maximum of $25.00 for gala events or festive dinners.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Reduced rates are available for students, job seekers, and large groups; the Festival Pass includes a festival kit and discounts at partner restaurants.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Nantes, France.
- Venue: Multiple cinemas across the city, including Cinéma Katorza, Théâtre Graslin, and Le Cinématographe.
- Google Maps Address: 3 Rue Corneille, 44000 Nantes, France.
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Contact Information
- Email: festival@3continents.com
- Phone: +33 2 40 69 74 14
- Website: www.3continents.com
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/festival3continents/
- https://instagram.com/festivaldes3continents
- https://twitter.com/F3Continents
- https://fr.linkedin.com/company/festivaldes3continents
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), 10 km from the city center (~20 minutes by shuttle or taxi).
- Public Transport: The “Navette Aéroport” shuttle runs every 20 minutes to the Nantes train station (Gare Sud) for approximately $10.00; Tram Line 1 serves the main theaters.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis from the airport to the city center cost roughly $33.00 to $45.00; Uber is also a common option in Nantes.
- Parking: Use the Parking Commerce or Parking Graslin garages in the city center (~$25.00/day); central Nantes is largely pedestrian-friendly.
- Other Access: TGV high-speed trains connect Paris to Nantes in just 2 hours; the local bike-sharing scheme “Naolib” is excellent for moving between venues.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Sozo Hotel (4-star, unique converted church near the Botanical Garden, ~$160-260/night); Radisson Blu Hotel Nantes (4-star, set in a former courthouse, ~$180-280/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites (4-star, stylish and centrally located near Place Royale, ~$120-190/night); Okko Hotels Nantes Château (4-star, modern design, ~$110-170/night).
- Budget Stays: Ibis Nantes Centre Gare Sud (3-star, reliable and efficient near the station, ~$85-130/night); Hôtel Le Cambronne (2-star, cozy and affordable in the old town, ~$70-110/night).
Attendee Experiences
- The post-film discussions are incredibly intimate and provide such a rare window into the lives of people across the globe.
- Using the tram to hop between theaters is so easy; you can see four different films from four different countries in one day.
- The opening ceremony at the Théâtre Graslin is absolutely breathtaking and sets the perfect tone for the week.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Is the festival program accessible to people who do not speak French?
While the primary language of the festival is French, a significant number of films in the international competition are screened in their original language with English subtitles. For retrospectives and smaller programs, subtitles are often provided in French only, so it is important to check the language codes in the official program. Most introductory speeches and Q&A sessions are conducted in French, but English translation is often available for international guests.
When is the best time to book tickets if I want to attend the opening night?
The opening ceremony and major gala screenings at the Théâtre Graslin are the most sought-after events and typically sell out within hours of the box office opening in October. If you are planning to attend, you should create an account on the official ticketing portal in advance and be ready to book the moment the full schedule is released. Individual tickets for regular screenings are easier to obtain on the day, but advance booking is still recommended.
Are there many free events during the festival week?
Yes, the festival offers several free activities to ensure broad community access, including outdoor exhibitions, certain round-table discussions, and the "First Steps" workshops for children. Additionally, the festival often hosts a free "Village" hub where you can meet other film lovers and browse festival literature. Details on free events are clearly marked in the festival program with the "Entrée Libre" designation.
What is the "Produire au Sud" workshop and can the public attend its sessions?
Produire au Sud (PAS) is a specialized training program for film professionals (directors and producers) from the 3 continents focusing on international co-production. While the core training sessions are closed to the public, the festival usually hosts public "pitching" sessions or case studies. These sessions are invaluable for students and aspiring filmmakers who want to learn about the complexities of funding and distributing world cinema.
How do I get to the screenings that take place outside of Nantes?
A portion of the festival is held in neighboring cities within the Loire-Atlantique department, such as Saint-Nazaire and Clisson. Most of these venues are easily accessible via the regional TER train network, which runs frequently from the Nantes main station. The travel time to these peripheral locations typically ranges from 20 to 45 minutes, and local theaters are usually within walking distance of the train stops.
