15th Festival du Film Merveilleux & Imaginaire Brings Special Programming to Pondicherry

Uncategorized September 11, 2025

September 18-20, 2025 at Alliance Française Pondicherry

The 15th edition of the Festival du Film Merveilleux & Imaginaire is set to enchant audiences in Pondicherry this September, presenting a carefully curated selection of imaginative short films from around the world. In partnership with Alliance Française Pondicherry, this special screening event celebrates the power of creativity and storytelling through two distinct programs: “Movies around the World” and “Kaleidoscope.”

Friday, September 19 – 6:00 PM: Movies around the World

The festival opens with an evening of diverse international storytelling featuring six compelling short films:

Chitchat (Un brin de causette) (France, 7’40”) – A touching exploration of human connection as Oscar seeks social bonds through phone calls to strangers, ultimately finding meaningful dialogue with Arlette.
My very own Footballer! (Ma Footballeuse à moi!) (France, 16’20”) – A whimsical tale following Sylvie and Karim as they invest their hotel cleaning earnings into an unusual aspiration: acquiring their very own domestic football player.
Fagnes 1986 (Belgium, 17’44”) – A suspenseful winter story set in 1986, where children Simon and Eva find themselves alone in a chalet during heavy snowfall, encountering mysterious nighttime disturbances.
Mal-roulante (France, 21’57”) – A sci-fi adventure featuring a self-centered scientist whose wild experiment accidentally disrupts the space-time continuum, forcing her to question everything she believes.
Toc (France, 7’37”) – An imaginative portrayal of a man battling severe OCD as he struggles to leave his home for an airport taxi, showcasing creativity as a coping mechanism.
Flawless (France, 7’22”) – A modern romantic comedy where a first date takes an unexpected turn due to a revolutionary mobile app.

Saturday, September 20 – 11:00 AM: Kaleidoscope Youth Program

The festival continues with a special morning screening designed for younger audiences, featuring four enchanting family-friendly films:

Monstreux (France, 5’40”) – A magical adventure where young Iris ventures into the “Great greenhouse” to prove her plant magic skills to her sister Eileen, unaware of the terrifying plant monster lurking within.
Supertramp (UK, 6’39”) – A heartwarming yet bittersweet story of a stray puppy who finds love with a little girl, only to face the uncertainties of street life once again.
Umbrellas (Parapluies) (France, 12’00”) – Set in a village of endless rain, six-year-old Kyna must overcome her greatest fear to find her beloved missing dog, Nana.
Leaving (Partir) (France, 4’17”) – A beautiful story about Louise, who escapes homework through imaginative writing about Mako, a creature whose journey mirrors her own relationship with home and family.

About the Partnership

Alliance Française Pondicherry joins a global network of 829 establishments across 135 countries, dedicated to promoting French language and Francophone cultures while fostering intercultural dialogue. With nearly 500,000 annual learners and over 26,000 cultural events worldwide, the Alliance Française continues to be a vital cultural bridge connecting communities through arts and education.

The Festival du Film Merveilleux & Imaginaire celebrates its 15th year as a showcase for innovative storytelling that transcends boundaries of genre and geography. This special Pondicherry programming offers local audiences a unique opportunity to experience the magic of international short film cinema.

Event Details: