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    We organize three annual events:

    • Established in 2002, our signature event, the SACRAMENTO FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL, is held over six days in June. It is the 2nd largest French film festival on the West Coast.
    • The WINTER SHORTS FEST (since 2008) presents the César (French Academy Awards) nominated short films.
    • The MINIFEST (since 2014) is a one-day miniature festival held in the fall.
    • Additionnally, we also hosts special screenings as opportunities arise. Over the years we have partnered with: M5 Arts, the Crocker Art Museum, Verge Center for the Art, the Sacramento Public Library, and the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra.

     

    Primarily held at the Crest Theatre -Sacramento’s last historical art deco movie palace- and at the Esquire IMAX Theatre, the SFFF’s events reach thousands of people each year and play an important part in the cultural life of Sacramento.

    Films include the latest premieres, classic masterpieces, and new short films, always with English subtitles! The SFFF brings talents from France to present their work, and local film experts to lead film discussions.

    Festivals are essential in expressing the diversity of a community and the Sacramento French Film Festival is no exception. We take pride in providing exposure to, and understanding of, different cultures. Since its beginning, the SFFF has programmed films with subjects rarely represented in mainstream cinema and offers an international perspective on some of the real issues facing the world today that can help us all make sense of the complicated times in which we live.

    AWARDS
    The SFFF has won awards for its creativity, outstanding leadership, and the excellence of its programs. Executive & Artistic Director Cécile Mouette-Downs was appointed to the prestigious order of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Government.

    • In 2013, Cécile Mouette Downs, Executive & Artistic Director and co-founder of the Sacramento French Film Festival was appointed to the prestigious order of Chevalier des Arts et Lettres by the French Government.
    • In 2010, Cécile Mouette Downs received the Arts Executive of the Year Award from the Sacramento Arts & Business Council.
    • In 2007 & 2008, the SFFF was voted Best Film Festival in Sacramento by the readers of the Sacramento News & review. After 2008, the Best Film Festival category was removed from the SN&R “Best of Sacramento” voting).
    • In 2007, the SFFF won the Dottie Award for Best Website in the Entertainment, Restaurant & Nightclub catgory.
    • In 2005, the SFFF received the Arts Management Excellence Award from the Arts & Business Council, for its outstanding contribution to arts and culture in the Sacramento region.