A Cinematic Journey: Sacramento French Film Festival Shorts
Lights, camera, action! Film lovers, rejoice—the Sacramento French Film Festival is back with an entire afternoon dedicated to the art of short films. On Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the iconic Tower Theatre, audiences will experience a captivating selection of French shorts, each offering a unique glimpse into the magic of cinema. Whether you’re a silent film aficionado, a fan of emerging talent, or eager to see the latest César-nominated works, this event has something for everyone.
The Lineup: A Celebration of French Cinema
🎬 1:00 PM – SILENT-ERA BRATS (57 min) Experience a one-of-a-kind cinéma concert as organist Dave Moreno provides a live score to a collection of feminist silent comedies from the 1910s. Curated by Chris Tafoya, this program showcases early comedic gems that were ahead of their time. A post-screening Q&A with Tafoya will dive deeper into these fascinating films.
🎬 3:00 PM – SHORTCUTS TO THE OSCARS (90 min) Discover the early works of renowned French directors who later earned Oscar nominations for their feature films. This program is a must-see for cinephiles who love tracing a director’s artistic journey. Stick around for a Q&A with Kevin Elstob, a.k.a. Le Professeur, who will share insights on these visionary filmmakers.
🎬 5:30 PM – 2025 CÉSAR NOMINATED SHORTS: ANIMATION & LIVE ACTION (114 min) An exclusive screening of this year’s César Award-nominated short films in both animation and live-action categories. Witness the best of contemporary French cinema and vote for your favorite—because your opinion matters!
Tickets & Passes
Single tickets are available for each screening, or grab a Winter Shorts Fest Pass for the full experience.
• Silent-Era Brats / Shortcuts to the Oscars: $14 adults | $12 discount (students, seniors 62+, Alliance Française & film fest members)
• 2025 César Nominated Shorts: $16 adults | $14 discount
• Winter Shorts Fest Pass: $30 for all three screenings
The Venue: Tower Theatre
📍 2508 Land Park Dr, Sacramento, 95818
A beloved landmark, the Tower Theatre provides the perfect setting for a day of cinematic excellence. Support local cinema by grabbing a snack from the concession stand, and enjoy free parking in the adjacent lot and nearby streets. The venue is ADA-compliant—if you need special accommodations, just reach out to the festival team.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
The Sacramento French Film Festival’s Shorts event is more than just a film screening—it’s a deep dive into French storytelling, artistry, and innovation. Whether you come for the silent comedies, the Oscar-nominated beginnings, or the latest award-worthy shorts, you’re in for an unforgettable cinematic journey.
Grab your tickets, mark your calendar, and immerse yourself in the best of French short films. À bientôt at the festival!
