There are many ways to see French films and series or attend panels for free at the festival. Here is a list of complimentary screenings and events offered in 2026. For most of them, no reservation is necessary and no ticket is issued. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

SHORT FILM COMPETITION
November 5–November 8

Start your day at the festival with an exciting program! All short films are presented in two parts, with each part screened three times between Thursday and Sunday mornings in the Truffaut Theater. Attend both parts and vote for the Audience Short Film Award.

SERIES COMPETITION IN THE MELVILLE THEATER
November 4–November 8

Eight series will be shown for free on a continuous loop in the Melville Theater throughout the week. The schedule is designed to allow you to attend other festival\ screenings throughout the day.
When you attend, you will also have a chance to win a trip for two to Paris and a European river voyage for two!

SERIES COMPETITION IN THE TRUFFAUT THEATER
November 6 & November 8

Admission is free to the screenings of these four series presented in the Truffaut Theater, but an RSVP is required. When you attend, you will also have a chance to win a trip for two to Paris and a European river voyage for two!

HAPPY HOUR TALKS
November 4–November 7

On Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, join our popular panel series at 3 p.m., (3:45 pm on Saturday), presented in association with Variety, followed by a Wine & Cheese reception at 4 p.m. in the Festival Lounge (4:30 pm on Saturday).
After attending the panel and reception, you will have first access to the theaters for the next screenings. You must be 21 or older and attend the panel to access the reception.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
November 2–November 6

Celebrating 14 years of supporting a new generation of foreign-film viewers, the Educational Program, with the support of AATF, is a free program open to American high school students and teachers.

FREE FOOD FOR THE SPECIAL DE GAULLE SCREENINGS ON SATURDAY
Those who attend the DE GAULLE screenings on Saturday, November 7, will receive complimentary bites and drinks during the intermission.

30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH A 30-FOOT CAKE
Attend the Sunday afternoon screening on November 8 and celebrate this special anniversary with us while sharing a piece of cake!

EVERYDAY INVITATIONS
Throughout the festival, limited invitations to select premiere screenings will be offered to our social media followers.
Screenings will be announced on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter one or two days in advance.
Join us and follow us!

REDUCED-PRICE SCREENINGS
These screenings are not free, but they are offered at discounted prices:

• Weekday screenings before 6 p.m. and after 10 p.m. in the Truffaut and Renoir Theaters
• All 11 a.m. screenings on Saturday and Sunday in the Truffaut and Renoir TheatersClick herefor detailed pricing and access to the box office.