Type
Residency
Opening of the call for applications
From 5 to 26 June 2026
Schedule
3 steps
Periods
- Step 1: 21 September–9 October 2026 (on-site)
- Step 2: October–December 2026 (remote)
- Step 3: 29 January–6 February 2027 (on-site)
Venue
Clermont-Ferrand
(France, Auvergne)
Audience
2 adult filmmakers from Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal or Chad who have directed at least one short film
Contact
Camille VARENNE
c.varenne@clermont-filmfest.org
La Petite Fabrique, an international residency for African filmmakers
The Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, with the support of the City of Clermont-Ferrand, the French Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire and the French Embassies in Senegal and The Gambia, is inviting applications for its second international residency programme for filmmakers from Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal or Chad.
Meet the 2025 residents
N’Kony SYLLA is a Guinean screenwriter and director, born and raised in Conakry. She will be working on her project Second Chance.
Abdoulaye SALL is a Mauritanian director and editor. He will be working on his project Suka Naayo.
The Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival
The Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival is the world’s largest event dedicated to the short format. It is a must-attend gathering for both industry professionals and film enthusiasts. For its 48th edition in 2026, the festival welcomed over 173,200 attendees and brought together professionals from around the world to discover more than 300 films, featured across four official competitions (national, international, lab, and XR), as well as thematic programs and regional spotlights.
The Short Film Market, held alongside the festival, brings together over 4,500 professionals (buyers, programmers, distributors, and producers) across around forty stands. A true hub for exchange, it offers filmmakers a privileged environment to expand their networks, showcase their projects, and enhance their international visibility.
The international residency for African filmmakers
Designed as a three-stage professional development program, this residency aims to support the development of your short film project (live-action fiction) from the initial writing phase to presenting your pitch to industry professionals at the Short Film Market.
STEP 1: Stay in Clermont-Ferrand
21 September-9 October 2026
Clermont-Ferrand (France, Auvergne)
In-person residency at the Chalet du Jardin Lecoq. You will be supported by a script specialist and members of the Festival’s team. A tailored guidance program will be offered, including narrative structure, character development, dialogue, treatment, pitch coaching, preparation of the presentation dossier, personalized screenings, and access to the Festival’s video library.
STEP 2: Personalized remote support
October-December 2026
Regular mentoring and online workshops with the facilitators to monitor the progress of your project and prepare your participation in the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival and Short Film Market.
STEP 3: International Short Film Festival
30 January–7 February 2026
Clermont-Ferrand (France, Auvergne)
Participation in the Talents Connexion program and the Short Film Market. You will pitch your project in a friendly, non-competitive setting in front of the professionals attending the Market. You will also attend thematic workshops.
Hosting conditions
STEP 1: Stay in Clermont-Ferrand
Two filmmakers will be selected and hosted in a shared house (2 private bedrooms, common living and working spaces) in downtown Clermont-Ferrand during the residency. Travel to Clermont-Ferrand and accommodation will be covered. Each resident will receive a weekly stipend of €500 (totaling €1500 for the duration of the residency) to cover meal expenses.
Travel and visa costs are supported by the Festival.
STEP 3: International Short Film Festival
The two filmmakers will be hosted again for 7 days during the 2027 Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival. Their travel, accommodation, and meals will also be covered during this period.
Travel, stay and visa costs are supported by the Festival.
Application procedures
Selection criteria
-
Be a citizen of Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal or Chad
-
Have already directed at least one short film (fiction or documentary)
-
Be proficient in French or English, both spoken and written
-
Be over 18 years old
Application file to be submitted via the online form
- Viewing link of a previous short film
- Synopsis
- Statement of intent (max. 2 pages)
- Treatment (max. 15 pages)
- Motivation letter for participation in the residency (max 1 page)
- Video pitch (max. 5 minutes) in English or French presenting the project
- Curriculum vitae
- Copy of passport
Practical information
Application deadline:
26 June 2026 at 23:59 (French time)
Documents must be uploaded via the form.
For any questions, you can contact:
Camille VARENNE
c.varenne@clermont-filmfest.org
Partners
Organised by the Sauve qui peut le court métrage association, with the support of the French Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire, the French Embassy in Senegal and The Gambia, and the City of Clermont-Ferrand.
