Type
Residency
Opening of the call for applications
From 2 to 29 June 2025
Schedule
3 steps
Periods
- Step 1: 22 September–3 October 2025 (on-site)
- Step 2: October–December 2025 (remote)
- Step 3: 30 January–7 February 2026 (on-site)
Venue
Clermont-Ferrand
(France, Auvergne)
Audience
2 adult filmmakers from Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Cape Verde, or Gambia 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 Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the French Embassy in Senegal, and the DEENTAL-ACP program implemented by the CNC with financial collaboration from the European Union and the support of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, is launching a call for applications for its first international residency for filmmakers from Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Guinea, and Gambia.
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 47th edition in 2025, the festival welcomed over 173,000 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 4,100 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
22 September-3 October 2025
Clermont-Ferrand (France, Auvergne)
In-person residency at the Chalet du Jardin Lecoq. You will be supported by a script specialist and a member of the festival’s programming 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 2025
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 daily stipend of €50 (totaling €600 for the duration of the residency) to cover meal expenses.
STEP 3: International Short Film Festival
The two filmmakers will be hosted again for 7 days during the 2026 Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival. Their travel, accommodation, and meals will also be covered during this period.
Travel/stay insurance and visa costs are the responsibility of the participants.
Application procedures
Selection criteria
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Be a citizen of Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Cape Verde, or Gambia
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Have already directed at least one short film (fiction or documentary)
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Be proficient in French or English, both spoken and written
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Be over 18 years old
Application file to be submitted via the online form
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Copy of passport
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Curriculum vitae
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Motivation letter for participation in the residency
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Synopsis
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Statement of intent
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Treatment
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Viewing link of a previous short film
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Video pitch (max. 5 minutes) in English or French presenting the project and expectations regarding the support
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(Optional) Dialogued script and/or detailed treatment
Practical information
Application deadline:
29 June 2025 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 association Sauve qui peut le court métrage with the support of the French Embassy in Mauritania, the French Embassy in Guinea and Sierra Leone, the Institut Français, the City of Clermont-Ferrand, and the Deental-ACP program, implemented by the CNC with the financial collaboration of the European Union and the support of the Organization of ACP States.
