An independent, nonprofit event in Paris focusing on cinematic diversity and Arab cinema
Festival Name: RAKSA Paris Film Festival
Organizer: RAKSA-Ciné Paris
Location: Paris, France
Dates: April 27-30, 2027
About the Festival: The festival welcomes diverse cinematic forms and international filmmakers. Its programming includes a wide range of films, from fiction to experimental, and features dedicated sections such as “Arab Directors.”
Awards: Every selected film is considered a winner. In certain editions and depending on partnerships, two awards may be offered: the Audience Award and the Special Jury Award.
Eligible Genres: Experimental, fiction, and documentary films, as well as music videos (no restrictions on genre, theme, or style).
Duration: Under 30 minutes (including credits).
Production Year: No restrictions announced.
Language & Subtitles: English subtitles required.
Submission Deadline: October 15, 2026
Other Notes:
- The festival features three competitive sections: International, Arabic (reserved for filmmakers of Arab heritage or productions from Arab film schools), and French (reserved for French filmmakers or productions from French film schools).
- For the International section, a Paris premiere is recommended but not required. No premiere status is required for other sections.
- Multiple submissions are allowed. Submitting a single film to multiple sections is unnecessary.
- Submission fees are non-refundable. Requests for withdrawal are accepted only within two weeks of submission.
- Exhibition formats: QuickTime (.mov) using ProRes, ProRes HQ, or ProRes 4444 codecs; DCP (Digital Cinema Package); and H.264 (.mp4). Films must be supplied in their original frame rate and the highest available quality.
- The submitter warrants that they hold all necessary legal rights. The participant grants the festival exhibition rights and permission to use materials for promotional purposes.
- Filmmakers may choose to participate in the “RAKSA Outside the Walls” program for non-commercial parallel screenings.
- No alterations, edits, or cuts will be made to any film without the consent of the rights holder.
