From 13 to 20 December, the Savoyard resort is hosting the 17ᵉ edition of the Arcs Film Festival, A time when European cinema is revealed in all its diversity, just before the hustle and bustle of the end-of-year holidays.
This year's programme hits hard, with over 80 feature-length films and 40 shorts, a dense, cutting-edge selection carefully crafted to reveal the most daring, vibrant and committed European cinema today.
At the head of the Feature Film Jury is a name with a lot of resonance: Dominik Moll, acclaimed director of The Night of 12, Harry, a friend who means well and the recent File 137.
Alongside her is a guest of honour whose mere presence is enough to attract attention: Isabelle Adjani, a major figure in French and international cinema.
A deeply socially responsible edition
But if Les Arcs Film Festival has earned its reputation, it's also because it has managed to anchor its identity in a strong editorial line. This year's theme is clear and assertive: exploring the intimate links between cinema and democracy, questioning the role of images in our societies, giving a voice to citizens and artists alike.
Both in the valley and on the heights of Arc 1800, ideas are exchanged, listened to and confronted.
On Saturday 13 December, the festival opens the debate with a major meeting entitled «Cinema and Democracy: At Les Arcs, Citizens!», featuring historian Marc Lazar and journalist Léna Mauger, with the results of a survey of 300 high school students from the Bourg-Saint-Maurice school complex.
The critical spirit of the younger generation takes centre stage, giving this edition a deeply civic flavour.
An emblematic political film
On Monday 15 December, another highlight awaits the public: the screening of Z by Costa-Gavras, an emblematic film of European political cinema. It will be followed by a film-debate in the presence of Cyril Dion, director and activist, and Marc Lazar.
Taking place in cinemas, media libraries and schools, the day will be marked by a series of special discussions on commitment, representation and the role of art in understanding our democracies.
The week closes with another highlight, on Thursday 18 December, with a film-debate on the theme of Orwell: 2+2=5 by Raoul Peck. More than 300 secondary school students are expected to attend, proof that the festival continues to be deeply rooted in the transmission and education of the image.
With its fresh snow, early-season atmosphere and cinemas heated by a passion for cinema, Les Arcs Film Festival is more than ever one of the winter's leading cultural events.