Saint-Jean-de-Luz International Film Festival

The Saint-Jean-de-Luz International Film Festival is the successor of the International Festival of Young Directors, which has been held in Saint-Jean-de-Luz since 1996.^[1] The festival celebrates emerging filmmakers, their debuts and sophomore features.^[2] Patrik Fabre has been the festival's artistic director since its inception.^[1][3] The Saint-Jean-de-Luz International Film Festival takes place every October in the Basque city of Saint-Jean-de-Luz on the premises of the Cinéma Le Sélect, 10 feature films and 8 shorts are selected for the main competition.^[4] Along with screenings, the Festival hosts various events such as masterclasses, open talks, discussions with the cinema professionals.^[5]

The very first edition of the Festival took place in September 2014.^[6] The jury, headed by Xavier Beauvois, included composer Alex Beaupain, Michèle Laroque, and others.^[7]

The second edition of the Festival took place from 6 to 10 October, 2015.^[8] The jury was chaired by Josiane Balasko,^[9] and the members were Olivier Marchal, Manu Payet, Claude Perron, Julia Piaton, Alexis Rault, and Gilles Sacuto.^[10] Best Film, Best Actress and the Audience Award went to Leyla Bouzid's debut feature As I Open My Eyes.^[11]

The third edition took place from 4 to 8 October, 2016.^[12][13] The jury was headed by Cédric Klapisch, other members were Stéfi Celma, Maxime Delauney, Alice Isaaz, Louis-Julien Petit, Marco Prince, and Sophie Verbeeck.^[14] The Grand Prix was awarded to The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki by Juho Kuosmanen.^[15]

In 2017, the 4th edition of the Festival took place from 3 to 7 October.^[16] The jury, chaired by Michèle Laroque, gave the Grand Prix to Xavier Legrand's Custody.^[17]

The 5th edition took place from 1 to 6 November, 2018. The women-only jury was headed by Corinne Masiero. The Grand Prix was given to the political comedy Tel Aviv on Fire by Sameh Zoabi.^[18]

The 7th edition took place from 5 to 11 October, 2020. A jury headed up by director Xavier Legrand awarded with the Grand Prix Naël Marandin's Beasts.^[19]

The 8th edition lasted from 4 to 10 October, 2021.^[20] Thierry Klifa headed the jury, other members were Florence Loiret Caille, Lolita Chammah, Nadège Beausson-Diagne, and Christophe Rossignon. Aurélie Saada's Rose was the opening film.^[21]

The 9th edition of the festival took place from 3 to 9 October, 2022, its theme was announced as Cinema of the future. The jury was headed by the actress Géraldine Pailhas, she was sided by designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, comedian Valérie Karsenti, directors Stéphane Foenkinos and Charlène Favier.^[22][2] The Youth Jury Prize for Feature Film was awarded to Guillaume Gouix for Amore Mio.^[23]

The 10th edition of the festival took place from 2 to 8 October, 2023. The jury was headed by Agnès Jaoui and included William Lebghil, Guillaume de Tonquedec, Sarah Suco, and Alysson Paradis.^[24][25] Thanks to the Porosus Endowment Fund, the money prize will be given to the winners, for example, 10000 euros for the Best Feature and 2500 for the best short.^[2]