The prestigious French National School of Image and Sound (La FEMIS) has announced its 2026 Summer University program, inviting emerging filmmakers from outside Europe to apply for an intensive documentary filmmaking course. This internationally acclaimed initiative, established in 1986 with support from France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, offers a transformative opportunity for cinematic development.
The eight-and-a-half-week program, scheduled from July 8 to September 4, 2026, will immerse 15 selected participants in Paris’s vibrant film culture. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with hands-on production experience, guiding each participant through the creation of an original 5-10 minute documentary under professional mentorship. The program structure includes intensive weekly sessions five days per week, blending practical workshops, film screenings, and specialized development meetings.
Eligibility requirements target francophone film students and young professionals under age 27 (as of January 1, 2026) with demonstrated interest in auteur documentary traditions. Applicants must possess non-European citizenship and demonstrate French language proficiency at minimum B1 level for non-native speakers. Submission requirements include a completed application package and a previously created short documentary film.
Selection will be conducted through a collaborative review process involving FEMIS faculty and cultural attaches from French embassies worldwide. The application deadline is March 27, 2026, with all materials required via email to projet@institutfrancaishaiti.org. Application forms and program details are available through the official portal of the French Embassy in Haiti.