Les Rencontres de Cannes 2025: a month of culture lighting up the Croisette

Cannes once again becomes an exceptional stage for culture and creativity. From November 8 to December 9, 2025, the city of the Croisette hosts Les Rencontres de Cannes, a cross-disciplinary festival weaving together literature, cinema, contemporary art, debates, and animation for a month of discovery, thought, and inspiration.

Organized by the Mairie de Cannes in collaboration with Cannes Cinéma, Cannes Université, and the Okaou Association, the event offers an immersive journey through today’s artistic expressions, featuring author talks, screenings, exhibitions, masterclasses, and open discussions.

A journey through contemporary culture

Les Rencontres de Cannes offers an accessible and diverse programme, with many events free or open by reservation, encouraging dialogue and curiosity. The aim is simple yet ambitious: to transform Cannes into a living creative laboratory, where artists and audiences come together to share ideas and explore the world through art.

Les Rencontres Littéraires – until November 15

The literary section, currently underway, opens the festival with a week devoted to words and imagination. The Ranguin, Noailles, and Romain Gary libraries are hosting readings, author conversations, and writing workshops featuring prominent voices of the French literary scene.
Highlights include the November 14 encounter with Laura Poggioli and Gilles Marchand, who will present their latest books, and the Philosophical Breakfast on November 15 with Marianne Chaillan, offering a reflection on the philosophical dimension of literature.

Les Rencontres Cinématographiques – November 17–23

Next comes cinema, the beating heart of Cannes.
From November 17 to 23, seven theaters — including the iconic Espace Miramar — will host screenings, premieres, and an international competition, showcasing emerging talents and celebrated filmmakers.
The opening ceremony on November 17 will launch an intense week of screenings, culminating on November 22 with the presentation of the Grand Prix and the Audience Award.

Les Rencontres d’Art Contemporain – November 26–27

Contemporary art takes the spotlight with “Poussière d’étoiles” (Star Dust), a captivating exhibition by Jean-Michel Othoniel at the Centre d’Art La Malmaison.
Through talks and encounters, visitors will discover the poetic universe of an artist who transforms glass into a language of emotion and light.

Les Rencontres Débats – November 28–29

The festival then turns to reflection with Les Rencontres Débats, two days at Espace Miramar devoted to the theme of commitment and critical thinking.
Philosophers, sociologists, and leading voices — including François Guichard, Rear Admiral of the French Navy, and Martin Hirsch, Director of AP-HP — will explore how art and individual conscience can influence contemporary society.

Les Rencontres d’Arts Animés – December 7–9

To close the 2025 edition, Les Rencontres d’Arts Animés will celebrate the vibrant world of animation.
With screenings, concerts, and masterclasses, including “From Comics to Cinema” with Rodolphe Guenoden, the event will explore the evolution of animated storytelling with artists from Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks.

A month of inspiration and dialogue

With its rich and multifaceted programme, Les Rencontres de Cannes 2025 confirms its position as a major European cultural event.
An open invitation to residents, students, artists, and visitors alike to enjoy a month of ideas, emotion, and creativity, reaffirming Cannes as not only the capital of cinema but also a meeting point for contemporary culture.