FIPADOC, one of Europe’s key gatherings for documentary cinema, returns to Biarritz from January 23 to 31, 2026, bringing eight days of screenings, masterclasses, debates, and industry events. The festival continues to champion all forms of non-fiction storytelling, from intimate character studies to bold, immersive creations.
This year’s edition features five Grand Prix, four competitive sections, and a wide range of non-competitive programs. Alongside the official selection, the festival will once again host Industry Days, Biarritz Immersive—with VR and interactive projects—and the expanding FIPADOC Campus, which introduces a new initiative: La Semaine d’Avant, a pre-festival program offering screenings and encounters for students across the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region.
After a record-breaking 2025 edition that drew more than 44,000 spectators and over 2,600 accredited professionals, FIPADOC 2026 will present more than 150 films and around 15 immersive experiences. The first selections will be announced in Paris on December 12, followed by a second press event in Biarritz in early January.This year’s Territorial Focus shines the spotlight on Spain and Portugal, highlighting the creativity and energy of the Iberian documentary scene while fostering new professional connections.
The festival’s poster features a striking photograph by Canadian photographer Adrienne Surprenant, taken from her report on the devastating floods in South Sudan. The image reflects FIPADOC’s ongoing commitment to environmental storytelling and its belief in documentaries as vital witnesses to global realities.Accreditations open on November 18, with festival passes available from mid-December and individual tickets on sale from early January.FIPADOC 2026 promises another rich, thoughtful, and inspiring edition—affirming Biarritz as a home for stories that matter.
