Deauville American Film Festival

The Deauville American Film Festival is a cherished annual event that celebrates the crème de la crème of American cinema in the heart of Deauville, France. Established in 1975, thanks to the efforts of Lionel Chouchan, André Halimi, and then-Mayor Michel d'Ornano, the festival has since flourished into a prestigious gathering for film enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Originally, the festival was non-competitive, but this changed in 1995 when it began awarding prizes for feature films, later expanding to include short films in 1998. Today, the festival honors cinematic excellence with a variety of awards, including the Grand Prix, Prix du Jury, Prix du Public, Prix de la Critique Internationale, Prix d'Ornano-Valenti, Prix de la Révélation, and Prix du Scénario.

Over the years, the festival has attracted esteemed juries composed of notable figures from the film industry. It’s a venue where movies are celebrated through special screenings and world premieres. For instance, in 2019, the red carpet was graced by luminaries such as Pierce Brosnan and Johnny Depp. That year, the festival featured standout films such as Woody Allen's "A Rainy Day in New York" and "Waiting for the Barbarians."

The festival also offers unique experiences such as a "Game of Thrones" marathon and thought-provoking documentaries like "This Changes Everything" which explores gender disparity in Hollywood.

The excitement culminates with the announcement of the winners, a moment eagerly anticipated by all. Films like "The Lighthouse" "Skin" and "A Rainy Day in New York" have become crowd favorites, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

The Deauville American Film Festival isn't just about watching movies; it's about celebrating the art of filmmaking, honoring emerging talent, and igniting important discussions within the industry. It's a true celebration of American cinema set against the picturesque backdrop of Deauville, France.