English version

Presentation of Rencontres Ciné Montagne 

Rencontres Ciné Montagne in Grenoble is the mountain film event in the heart of the Alps. As one of the leading festivals of its kind in Europe, it attracts nearly 20 000 spectators each year over five evenings of screenings. The 27th edition will take place from November 4 - 8, 2025, at the Palais des Sports in Grenoble.

What We’re Looking For

The Rencontres Ciné Montagne festival aims to present a program centered on films showcasing outdoor physical activities in the mountains. We wish to highlight a diversity of both practices and practitioners, telling human stories set within the context of a “wild” mountain environment - meaning untouched by mechanization or heavy infrastructure.

We give priority to films that portray human adventures undertaken by fair means- that is, with minimal artificial assistance, a low carbon footprint, and an approach that reflects current environmental and social issues.

Beyond technical production quality (sound, image, music, editing, etc.) special attention is given to films with original storytelling and creativity.

The Spirit of the Festival

Rencontres Ciné Montagne is a moment for exchanges, debates, and inspiration around films and the mountain. Our heartbeat is to share films that promote a non-mechanized, wild mountain, with a diversity in practices and practitioners.

Submit a Film

Are you a mountain film director or producer, and would like to share your work with a large audience? Submissions for the 27th edition of Rencontres Ciné Montagne are open from March 20th to August 8th, 2025.

Dates

• Applications open: March 20, 2025
• Early film submission deadline: June 30, 2025
• First pre-selection: early July 2025
• Film submission deadline: August 8, 2025
• Final selection: late August 2025
• Announcement of selections: early September 2025

Programming Criteria

These guidelines are intended to support the pre-selection process by the Ciné Montagne team, as well as the final programming decisions made by the selection committee.

• Films centered on outdoor activities in natural environments
• Representation of a diversity of practices
• Representation of diverse practitioners - including gender, age, background, etc., with particular attention to the presence of women
• A non-mechanized, non-developed mountain environment
• A limited number of films involving “faraway” adventures that require air travel
• Adventures carried out with minimal artificial assistance
• A balance between short and longer films to create a dynamic rhythm throughout the evenings
• A balance between French and international productions

Apply and Upload Your Film

Submission guidelines

• Download the guidelines

By submitting your film, you agree to the terms outlined in the guidelines.

Submit a film

The Selection Committee

The festival program is curated by a gender-balanced Selection Committee, made up of 10 members:

• 6 specialist members with professional experience in mountain cinema and/or the mountain world
• 4 public members chosen at random, using a quota system to ensure a diverse and eclectic group

The committee reviews around 50 films pre-selected by the organization. The final selection is the result of group discussion, and when needed, a vote is held to make the final decision - always in line with the festival’s vision.

Film submission FAQ

When will the Rencontres Ciné Montagne take place?

The Rencontres Ciné Montagne will take place from November 4 to 8, 2025, at the Palais de Sports in Grenoble.

Films must be submitted by August 8th, 2025. The final selection will be made at the end of August.

How can I submit my film?

To submit your film, fill out the submission form available on FilmFreeway and upload the required materials via the platform (streaming links via Vimeo, Youtube, etc., + the download link). You will also need to provide photos, a poster, a teaser, and French or English subtitles.

What are the selection criteria?

Films must align with the Rencontres Ciné Montagne festival’s vision of outdoor mountain activities, diverse practices and practitioners, and a minimal environmental impact. Pre-selection takes place in late June 2025, with the final selection made in early September.

Are there submission fees?

Yes, a non-refundable submission fee is required.

We ask a modest participation fee in order to submit your film, which increases as the submission deadline approaches. This fee helps reduce off-topic entries and encourages early submissions. This system also gives the committee time to view films over several months, ensuring a fair and balanced selection process, and avoids a last-minute marathon of viewings just days before the end of submissions.

What is the ideal film length?

Films must be between 1 and 90 minutes long. The preferred length is between 12 to 45 minutes to ensure a varied and engaging evening program.

What are the technical requirements?

Films must be submitted in the following format:

• Videos: 1920x1080 25p (films in 4k will be converted in 1080p)
• Format: ProRes 422 or H.264 High
• Audio: Mixed to -23 dB LUFS

What are the subtitle requirements?

French-language films must include French subtitles in order to make the event more accessible. Foreign-language films must include French subtitles, or at minimum, English. If subtitles aren’t available, please provide a dialogue list with timecodes.

Are there any broadcasting rights?

Yes, broadcasting rights are paid for each screening. The amount varies depending on the length of the film. Films shown at the Palais des Sports or on TéléGrenoble will have specific rights.

Can I refuse to have my film shown elsewhere?

If selected, the rights holders authorize additional screenings, such as at the Maison Grenoble Montagne or during “Les Rencontres Ciné Montagne près de chez vous” events. Each in-person screening is subject to a specific contract and the payment of screening rights.

Is there a prize?

Yes! Our prize is le “Prix de Public,” or the Audience Award, voted on by the spectators. It is worth 2 000 €.

Can I make changes to my film after submitting?

Any changes must be communicated to the organization before September 26, 2025. The version submitted should match the final screening version. If changes are made, the final screening file must be sent before September 26, 2025.

I don’t have French subtitles, what should I do?

Subtitles are required when submitting films as an initiative by a growing number of film festivals in order to improve accessibility. If you have difficulty producing subtitles, you can contact the association “Silence on grimpe” at: silenceongrimpe@gmail.com.

What does the City of Grenoble offer to filmmakers?

The City of Grenoble supports audiovisual creation through broadcasting rights and financial support to the FODACIM (Fonds d’Aide au Cinéma de Montagne).