French Films at the 2026 New York International Children’s Film Festival
Festival, Film
My Life in Versailles (© 2025 – Films Grand Huit, Mélusine Productions, Xilam, Miyu Productions )
From February 28 – March 15, explore world cinema without leaving New York City at the New York International Children’s Film Festival.
Showcasing the best new films for ages 3-18, the New York International Children’s Film Festival presents premieres, special events, Q&As with filmmakers, a lineup of short films spanning the globe, and a great selection of French films and shorts.
Use the code ALBERTINE2K26 to receive a $2 discount on tickets. Explore the full program here, and learn more about the French feature films participating in the festival below.
Feature Films
My Life in Versailles (La vie de château, mon enfance à Versailles)
After her parents’ passing, eight-year-old Violet goes to live with her uncle, Regis, a gruff maintenance worker at the Palace of Versailles. Despite a rocky start, Violet and Regis learn to live and face life’s challenges together. Through complex friendships, first loves, and a Christmas trip to Violet’s grandparents, they slowly create a new life rich in discoveries and tender moments in the heart of Versailles.
Directors: Clémence Madeleine-Perdrillat and Nathaniel H’limi
Animation, 2025, 78 min., France-Luxembourg
Recommended ages: 7+
In French with English subtitles. U.S. Premiere – Audience Spotlight.
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March 8, 2:30pm | SVA Theatre (+ Q&A with filmmakers)
March 14, 1:00pm | SVA Theatre
In 1811, Mary Anning, an inquisitive and tenacious twelve-year-old girl, spends her days searching for fossils. Her father passed on this passion to her, but her life suddenly changes when he disappears, leaving behind a mysterious drawing and a struggling family. Determined to help her mother and brother, Mary tries to uncover the secret of the drawing. She will discover so much more than just fossils: friendships, adventures, and the very start of paleontology.
Director: Marcel Barelli
Animation, 2025, 72 min., Belgium – Switzerland
Recommended ages: 8+
In French with English subtitles. U.S. Premiere – Featuring a Q&A with a paleontologist.
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March 1, 1:00pm | SVA Theatre
March 7, 11:30am | Scandinavia House (+ Q&A with a paleontologist)
Sketches on Ice – © 2026 Les Films du Préau
Short Films
Sketches on Ice (Esquisses sur glace)
Director Marion Auvin
Animation, 2025, 4 min, Belgium-France
No Dialogue – New York Premiere
Screening in Short for Tots
Autokar
Director Sylwia Szkiłądź
Animation, 2025, 17 min, Belgium-France
In French & Polish; with English subtitles
Screening in Short Film Three
Butterfly (Papillon)
Director Florence Miailhe
Animation, 2023, 15 min, France
In French, Arabic & German; with English subtitles
Screening in Short Film Three
Cloud Fish (Poisson Nuage)
Director Noé Garcia
Animation, 2025, 6 min, Belgium-France
No Dialogue – New York Premiere
Screening in Short for Tots
The Day I Licked a Pebble (Le jour où j’ai léché un caillou)
Directors Goli Atefi, Marie Pijollet, Nathan Jauze, Maud Kolasa, Chloé Bernuchon, and Flavie Eliézer
Animation, 2025, 7min, France
In French; with English subtitles – North America Premiere
Screening in Student Showcase and Short Films Two
Duet
Director Léo Brunel
Animation, 2025, 1 min, France
No Dialogue – World Premiere
Screening in Short Films One
Lola and the Sound Piano (Lola et le piano à bruits)
Director Augusto Zanovello
Animation, 2024, 28 min; France, Poland & Switzerland
In French; with English subtitles – New York Premiere
Screening in Short Films Two
