The Chamonix Film Festival is an annual gathering in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France, dedicated to mountain and adventure cinema. Although often linked with the Rencontres Internationales du Film de Montagne, the official name used by organizers is simply the Chamonix Film Festival. The 2026 edition marked its sixth year, cementing its place in the alpine cultural calendar.
Held from 10 to 14 June 2026, the festival transformed the alpine town into a hub of storytelling, with screenings at the historic Cinéma Vox and free open-air film nights in Parc Couttet. Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or a casual fan of adventure documentaries, this guide covers everything you need to know about the festival's venues, program, and how to plan your visit.
Festival Dates and Location
The 6th edition of the Chamonix Film Festival ran from Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 June 2026, with the main screenings held at Cinéma Vox in the heart of Chamonix. This historic venue, located at 22 Cour Bartavel, offered a quality projection and comfort essential for conveying the power of the films.
Open-air screenings took place in Parc Couttet on the evenings of Friday 12 and Saturday 13 June, with free entry as confirmed on the official festival page. The town's central location makes both venues easily accessible on foot, with the nearest train station at Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and car parks like Outa and St Michel nearby.
Understanding the Festival: Mountain Culture on Screen
Mountains are the true protagonists of the Chamonix Film Festival. The selection committee chooses films where mountains act as a character, not just scenery, and where stories convey values like respect for the environment, teamwork, and commitment, as highlighted in the festival's criteria published online.
The program spans mountaineering, climbing, skiing, and other non-mechanical sports, aiming to evoke the powerful emotions of time spent in high places. From over 170 films submitted, the committee selected around 17 finalists, featuring several world and French premieres, ensuring a diverse and compelling lineup.
Where Screenings Take Place
The primary venue, Cinéma Vox, hosted all evening film screenings starting at 8:30 pm, while afternoon 'Film debates' began at 5:00 pm. The cinema features multiple theatres, though only theatre 2 is wheelchair accessible, and most films are screened with subtitles for the hard of hearing to promote inclusivity.
For a quintessential alpine experience, head to Parc Couttet for the free open-air screenings on Friday and Saturday night at 9 pm. As the festival notes, you can 'bring a blanket and immerse yourself in adventure tales in a mountain setting,' with filmmakers and guests often present.
Film Program Highlights
The evening sessions featured four films on most nights, showcasing a mix of short and feature-length works. Highlights included 'A bord du vide' exploring the void, 'Les Lumières de Vallot' on the Vallot refuge, and 'Chimères Patagones' about Patagonian dreams, many with French premieres.
The program included world premieres, such as 'La Chèvre d'Hispar', following alpinists in the Karakoram, and Ushuaïa TV Award ceremonies for environmental films. After each screening, audiences could often interact with filmmakers and athletes, adding a personal dimension to the stories.
Free Open-Air Screenings in Parc Couttet
Two of the festival's most popular events were the free outdoor screenings at Parc Couttet on June 12 and 13. Friday featured 'Groenland, les frissons de la terre', an exploration of Greenland's icy landscapes, while Saturday presented 'Bergers', a film about shepherds and mountain life.
With free entry, these evenings were perfect for families and casual viewers. Organizers suggested bringing a blanket, and the relaxed atmosphere let you enjoy high-quality adventure films under the open sky, with the peaks of the Mont Blanc range as a natural backdrop.
Beyond the Screen: Workshops, Book Signings, and Meetings
The festival extends beyond film screenings, offering a rich program of workshops, book signings, and meetings with authors and filmmakers. For the 2026 series, there were two 'film and book' events with authors and filmmakers sharing which came first – the book or the film – along with discussions on inclusivity in the outdoors.
For instance, on June 11, the film 'Les femmes les plus hautes du monde' about the world's highest women was screened, followed by a panel. Similarly, 'Tandem' and 'L'héritage Samivel' offered insights into climbing partnerships and the legacy of artist Samivel, providing deeper engagement for attendees.
How Films Are Selected and Awards
Films were chosen by a professional jury of film and mountain experts from hundreds of submissions. The criteria emphasized that mountains must be a character, conveying mountain values, culture, and history, while evoking the emotions of high-altitude life.
Awards included the Grand Prize for the film of the year, a Jury Special Award, and the Audience Award, which was voted on by viewers after each evening's screenings. Additionally, the Ushuaïa TV Mountains & Environment Award offered a prize fund for a 52-minute environmental film project.
Planning Your Visit: Getting to Chamonix
Chamonix is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest major airport is Geneva, about 75 minutes away, with regular transfer services to the valley. Alternatively, you can take the scenic train to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc station, which is within walking distance of the main festival venues.
If you're driving, note that parking in the town center is limited; the Outa and St Michel car parks are recommended. For a stress-free start, pre-booking a shared or private transfer from the airport can save time, especially if you're arriving on the day of a screening. Remember to carry a valid passport for the border crossing from Switzerland.
Practical Tips for Attending
To make the most of a future festival experience, plan your screenings in advance. While evening sessions at Cinéma Vox are ticketed and often sell out, you can check the official festival website for the full program and booking details. Bring layers for the cooler evenings, especially if you plan to attend the outdoor screenings in Parc Couttet.
Accessibility is a priority: most films include subtitles for the hard of hearing, and theatre 2 at the Vox is wheelchair accessible. If you have specific needs, contact the festival in advance. Finally, book your accommodation early, as June is a popular time in Chamonix, and the festival attracts visitors from around the world.
Plan Your Visit
The Chamonix Film Festival is a unique celebration of mountain culture that brings together the international film community and the public. Whether you're drawn to the gripping stories, the chance to meet filmmakers, or the magical atmosphere of open-air cinema, this event offers an unforgettable experience.
Check the official festival website for the latest programme and ticket details, and consider combining your trip with other alpine experiences. For more ideas on festivals across the country, see our guide to festivals in France, and if you're also interested in the region's music scene, explore our guide to the Cosmo Jazz Festival in Chamonix to extend your cultural stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chamonix Film Festival?
The Chamonix Film Festival is an annual mountain and adventure film festival held in Chamonix, France. It presents the best films about alpinism, climbing, and exploration, along with debates and workshops.
When was the Chamonix Film Festival 2026?
The 6th edition of the Chamonix Film Festival ran from Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 June 2026, with screenings each evening and matinee sessions on select days.
Where does the festival take place?
The main screenings are at Cinéma Vox in central Chamonix, while free open-air film nights take place in Parc Couttet.
What films are shown at the festival?
Films focus on mountain and adventure themes, including alpinism, climbing, expeditions, and environmental stories. The selection includes world and French premieres.
Are there free events at the Chamonix Film Festival?
Yes, the open-air screenings in Parc Couttet on Friday and Saturday evenings are free and open to the public.
