French Film Festival 2026 Brings 24 Free Films to Metro Manila This November
Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by Jaskaran Singh
Film lovers, mark your calendars. The 29th French Film Festival is now on in Metro Manila from November 6 to 30, 2026. It brings 24 French films to cinemas around the city, and screenings are free, LionhearTV reported.
The festival is organized by the French Embassy in the Philippines with partners like Alliance Française de Manille. So, it is a great chance to watch new French movies without spending a peso on tickets.
French Film Festival 2026 Schedule and Venues
The festival moves around the city during the month. Here is where you can catch the films, according to DZRH:
- November 6 to 15: SM Aura BGC and SM City Manila
- November 7 to 28: Alliance Française de Manille, Makati
- November 13 to 22: QCinema at Gateway, Araneta and Trinoma, Quezon City
- November 25 to 26: Animahenasyon at Likha Filipino Exhibition Hall, Pasay
- November 27: Special screening with writer-director David Foenkinos at SM Aura BGC
- Dates to be announced: Restored heritage films at the Cinémathèque Centre, Intramuros
Films to Watch at the French Film Festival
This year’s lineup has something for everyone. For example, there are new versions of two classic stories, Les Misérables and Le Fantôme de l’Opéra (The Phantom of the Opera), Lifestyle Asia reported.
History fans can watch a two-part movie about Charles de Gaulle and Moulin, about French Resistance hero Jean Moulin. Meanwhile, the festival also shows films about women’s stories, plus the animated film Muyi for younger viewers.
Also, two Filipino classics will be shown after being restored in France. These are Lino Brocka’s Jaguar and Ginauhaw Ako, Ginagutom Ako.
What the Organizers Said
French Ambassador to the Philippines Donatienne Hissard shared her hopes for the festival. “Cinema is a language that does not need translation,” she said, according to DZRH. She added that the team hopes “to bring the best of French cinema for the Filipino audience to enjoy.”
Mathilde Séjourné, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, also invited viewers to try every title. “All our movies this year are extremely exciting and we encourage you to watch every movie we are proposing,” she said, LionhearTV reported.
Talks and Special Events
There is more than just movies. First, a history panel will be held at SM City Manila on November 11. Then, a public roundtable on women’s stories and gender equality follows at SM Aura on November 12. Finally, author and director David Foenkinos will attend a special screening on November 27.
Tips for Going
Since the screenings are free, popular titles may fill up fast. So, arrive early for the films you really want to see. Also, check the French Embassy’s Facebook or Instagram for the full schedule and seat rules before you go.
What Happens Next
The festival runs until November 30, with new venues opening up through the month. So, pick a few films, grab a friend and enjoy a little bit of France right here in Manila.
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References
- LionhearTV, “29th French Film Festival brings 24 films to Metro Manila, highlighting history, literature, feminism, and Filipino cinema”
- DZRH, “29th French Film Festival in Manila Celebrates Literature, History, Feminism and Animation”
- Lifestyle Asia, “29th French Film Festival 2026: Films And Schedule”
