The fourth edition of La Fiesta del Cine will take place from February 27 to March 8, 2026, in the halls of Cinema Variétés, Cinema Rialto and the Cinémathèque de Nice. Ten days of early screenings, interactions and festivities to highlight in Nice a unique, dynamic and deeply human South American cinema.
Even before the festival presentation, barely had the guests settled in the hall when a singer accompanied by a singer and musician struck up Latin American rhythms, encouraging some spectators to dance and immediately establishing the atmosphere: one of a festive and convivial immersion. Conceived as a true cultural crossroads, La Fiesta del Cine offers a complete immersion in the world of Latin American cinema.
Ten feature films will be presented in competition from seven nations: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela and Uruguay. A characteristic of the festival: most of these films, never screened in France, will not benefit from distribution through traditional channels. An opportunity for the Nice public to explore unique works, generally struggling to obtain support in their home countries. Remaining true to its warm atmosphere, the festival goes beyond mere screenings. “In Latin America, meetings are marked by food, dance and exchanges… and it is only afterwards that one discovers the truly important moment“, explain the organizers. In this context, the film becomes this point of gathering. Before each main event, concerts and musical performances immerse the public in the festive spirit of the continent. At the entrance to the halls, Latin American cuisine continues the journey: arepas from Colombia, empanadas from Mexico, typical Brazilian feijoada or caipirinha invite you to experience total sensory immersion.
An immersive festival, between big screen and big carnival
The opening, scheduled for February 27 at 7 p.m. at Cinema Variétés, will kick off with the early screening of Risa y la cabina del viento by Juan Cabral, which recently won an award at the Mar del Plata International Film Festival. The film, oscillating between drama and fantasy, revisits the idea of the “wind phone“, this telephone booth set up in Japan following the 2011 tsunami. It explores the theme of grief through the eyes of a ten-year-old girl, set in Ushuaïa. On March 7, at Cinema Rialto, the closing ceremony will take place, presenting the French premiere of the documentary film Jacquin, the Magnificent (Jacquin, Como Você Nunca Viu) by Eric Belhassen. The latter paints a personal portrait of Brazilian chef Erick Jacquin, a media personality who has overcome the challenges of bankruptcy to achieve fame.
As tradition dictates, the audience will award its prize at the end of the screenings this year as well. On March 8, the winning film will be screened again. Another highly anticipated event: the best short film competition, open to both beginners and professionals, with a prize that includes notably an internship at ESRA Nice.
Supported by a dedicated team, backed by enthusiastic volunteers and the City of Nice, La Fiesta del Cine advocates a rigorous approach: presenting author films, aesthetic ones, that spark discussions and reflect a contemporary vision of a continent that remains too underrepresented on French screens.
Located at the intersection of cinema and celebration, this fourth edition promises to be a way to “welcome spring in music and colors“, like the Carnival. In Nice, celebration is in the spotlight.
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