Films on the Green 2026 Returns with a Celebration of America 250
Artwork: Des Signes
By Villa Albertine
Villa Albertine’s annual outdoor festival marks a season of French cinema with an American flair.
New York, June 3, 2026 –- This season, in honor of 250 years of French-American Friendship, Villa Albertine,the French Institute for Culture and Education within the French Embassy in the United States, announces the return of the 2026 edition of Films on the Green, featuring a must-see selection of French films and international co-productions in outdoor spaces across the U.S.
With expanded programming in nine cities, the cherished, free festival kicks off in Chicago on Saturday, June 27, with a screening of the Johnny Depp-starring historical drama Jeanne du Barry in Lake Shore Park. Running through October 9, Films on the Green will be held in Chicago; Houston; Marfa, TX; New Orleans; Philadelphia; Los Angeles; Tulsa, OK; Washington, DC; and Puerto Rico, showcasing films that feature French and American talent. This roster of international collaborations reflects how art transcends borders and pays homage to the lasting bonds of French-American friendship. Cinema stands as a shared legacy between France and the United States that has united our two countries through a love of storytelling and innovation, continuing to inspire audiences and filmmakers across the globe. Films on the Green 2026 is part of the officlal program “America 250” of the French Embassy in the United States.
From Jean-Luc Godard’s À Bout de Souffle (Breathless) to Ugo Bienvenu’s animated feature Arco, the program spans decades of bold filmmaking for every cinephile. Find the nationwide schedule below, and read more about each film, including the cast and partners, here.
Films on the Green started over 15 years ago as an intimate film series in local New York City community gardens. Since then, it has blossomed into a beloved summer tradition, hotly anticipated by film buffs and casual viewers alike. Its growing presence in American cities is a testament to the ongoing enthusiasm for diverse and accessible outdoor film experiences.
Villa Albertine and Albertine Foundation would like to thank Films on the Green’s official sponsors: JCDecaux and TV5MONDE for their continued support.
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NATIONWIDE SCREENINGS
Free screenings. All films have subtitles. At sunset.
Chicago, IL
June 27 – Lake Shore Park: Jeanne du Barry by Maïwenn (2023)
July 10 – Welles (Gideon) Park: Arco by Ugo Bienvenu (2025)
July 17 – Belmont Harbor: Breathless (A bout de souffle) by Jean-Luc Godard (1960)
July 24 – Montgomery Ward Park: Mr. Blake at Your Service! (Complètement cramé !) by Gilles Legardinier (2023)
July 31 – Lake Shore Park: La Vie en rose (La Môme) by Olivier Dahan (2007)
This program is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks. Movies in the Parks 2026 is presented by Lyft. Presented in partnership with the Alliance Francaise of Chicago.
Houston, TX
September 26 – POST Houston: Arco by Ugo Bienvenu (2025)
October 2 – Alliance Française de Houston: L’Arnacœur (Heartbreaker) by Pascal Chaumeil
October 9 – Rienzi: Jeanne du Barry by Maïwenn (2023)
Presented in partnership with POST Houston, The Alliance Francaise of Houston, and Rienzi, Museum of Fine Arts
Marfa, TX
September 17 – MAINTENANT: Alphaville by Jean-Luc Godard (1965)
September 20 – MAINTENANT: Ascenseur pour L’échafaud (Elevator to the Gallows) by Louise Malle (1958)
September 24 – MAINTENANT: I am not your Negro by Raoul Peck (2016)
September 27 – MAINTENANT: Réalité (Reality) by Quentin Dupieux (2014)
Presented in partnership with MAINTENANT
New Orleans, LA
September 4 – Alliance Française de La Nouvelle Orléans: Ascenseur pour L’échafaud (Elevator to the Gallows) by Louise Malle (1958)
September 18 – Alliance Française de La Nouvelle Orléans: Arco by Ugo Bienvenu (2025)
Presented in partnership with the Alliance Francaise of New Orleans.
Los Angeles, CA
September – TBD
Tulsa, OK
September – TBD
Presented in partnership with the Alliance Française of Tulsa.
Philadelphia, PA
August 29 – Hawthorne Park: Les Demoiselles de Rochefort (The Young Girls of Rochefort) by Jacques Demy (1967)
Presented in partnership with Friends of Hawthorne Park and the Alliance Française of Philadelphia and the Friends of Hawthorne Park.
Washington, DC
August 20 – National Mall: Breathless (A bout de souffle) byJean-Luc Godard (1960)
Puerto Rico
August 27 – Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico: The Artist by Michel Hazanavicius (2011)
Presented in partnership with The Alliance Francaise of Puerto Rico and the Museo de Arte.
In partnership with
Albertine Foundation
Albertine Foundation is an American nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting French American relations through innovative cultural and educational programs.
In close partnership with Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education, Albertine Foundation administers grant programs across diverse creative disciplines including visual and performing arts; cinema; and literature, while also supporting exploratory residencies for creative professionals and thinkers across the United States. Albertine Foundation also contributes to promoting French language learning in the United States and funds new opportunities for students, professors, and researchers in the spheres of secondary and higher education.
Albertine Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation by Internal Revenue Service determination. Contributions from corporate, foundation, and individuals are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
TV5MONDE
TV5MONDE is the world’s leading French-language media company. It operates ten channels distributed to over 400 million households worldwide, subtitled in 12 languages, and available in 200 countries and territories. The network also offers the streaming platform TV5MONDE+, FAST channels, and mobile apps. TV5MONDE’s initiatives also include TV5MONDE EDU, a free educational offering with thousands of audiovisual-based resources designed to support the learning and teaching of French.
JCDecaux
JCDecaux operates coordinated street furniture franchises in major cities across the U.S., including here in New York. It is continuously working to connect information to stakeholders and identify municipal innovations to enhance the livability and sustainability of streetscapes. A member of the JCDecaux Group, the number one outdoor advertising company in the world, which through its three business segments – street furniture, transport and billboard, has engaged in a virtuous, sustainable business model since its founding in 1964.
Learn more.