Toiles Filantes 2026: Science on Screen & Family Film Fest 🎬🚀
The 21st edition of Les Toiles Filantes, a young public cinema festival, is set to take place from February 17th to February 22nd, 2026, at the Jean-Eustache cinema in Pessac, France. This year’s festival centers around the theme of science, aiming to champion scientific work and curiosity, particularly for young audiences.
Championing Scientific Inquiry
Festival organizers, including communication manager Boris Barbieri, emphasize the importance of highlighting science in response to the increasing questioning of established scientific knowledge. Barbieri stated, “Today, scientific knowledge…can be called into question in publications that have nothing serious, but which risk winning over minds. It seemed important to us to react.” The festival will showcase 10 films related to science.
Featured films include “Mary Anning,” a story about a pioneering paleontologist from 19th-century England (suitable for ages 6+), and “Le Voyage dans la Lune,” which focuses on a rocket designer and shares an aesthetic with films like “Chicken Run” and “Shaun the Sheep” (suitable for ages 5+). “Avril et le monde truqué,” an animated film set in a dystopian 1941 France, will also be screened (suitable for ages 8+).
A Celebration of Cinema and Interactive Experiences
A highlight of the festival will be a screening of all three “Back to the Future” films on Friday, February 20th. Viewers can attend individual screenings between 2 PM and 6:50 PM, or purchase a package for all three films for 15 euros (suitable for ages 9+). The festival will also offer blind tests, quizzes, and a dedicated photo booth between screenings, with organizers hinting at additional surprises.
Hands-on Learning Through Workshops
Les Toiles Filantes has partnered with several organizations to offer interactive workshops alongside film screenings. Cap Sciences will host a rocket-building workshop in conjunction with “Le Voyage dans la Lune.” The Réserve naturelle de Saucats-La Brède will lead fossil-themed activities related to “Mary Anning.”
Further workshops include a biodiversity discussion and planting activity with the Bordeaux botanical garden and the Bourgailh ecosite, linked to the film “Tante Hilda” (suitable for ages 8+). Attendees can also build a Lego microscope with the Bordeaux Imaging centre, connected to the film “L’Aventure intérieure” (suitable for ages 10+).
Exclusive Premieres and New Films
Beyond the science theme, the festival will feature films for children aged 2-5, accompanied by activities like modeling clay and mask-making. Six films will be shown in competition as premieres, including “L’Odyssée de Céleste” by Kid Koala, which tells the story of a girl and her robot companion becoming a biologist and astronaut (suitable for ages 7+). “Planètes,” by Momoko Seto, will open the festival on Tuesday, February 17th at 5:30 PM (suitable for ages 7+).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central theme of Les Toiles Filantes 2026?
The central theme of Les Toiles Filantes 2026 is science, with the motto “Ramène ta science!”
When and where will the festival take place?
The festival will take place from February 17th to February 22nd, 2026, at the Jean-Eustache cinema in Pessac, France.
Will there be activities beyond film screenings?
Yes, the festival will feature workshops, quizzes, photo booths, and other animations alongside the film screenings.
As Les Toiles Filantes prepares to showcase a diverse range of films and activities, how might this festival contribute to fostering a lifelong love of science in young viewers?