The Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival (2-10 February) faced uncertainty in 2023 in the wake of a funding shortfall from the local government that threatened the entire viability of the festival for 2024. After a public outcry, said shortfall was soon covered as Pathé stepped in as a sponsor, meaning that Clermont – and the short-film community as a whole – could breathe a sigh of relief. But with rising costs, the after-effects of the pandemic and funding uncertainty vis à vis the future, Clermont still has some tough decisions to make. The team has described 2024 as a “singular edition”, in which – amongst other measures – the number of programmes in competition has been reduced and ticket prices have been raised. But it is hoped that these measures will only be temporary and that Clermont will be able to weather the storm.

Certainly, even with the programmes reduced, there still seems to be a plethora of films on offer across the festival’s three competitions: International, National and Lab (for titles that lean towards the experimental end of the spectrum). As always, there are the heavy hitters that have done their time on the circuit, with films such as 27 by Flóra Anna Buda (France/Hungary), the 2023 Palme d’Or winner for Best Short, which will screen in the National Competition; and, screening in the International Competition, Yellow by Elham Ehsas (UK/Afghanistan), a powerful story of a woman who buys her first full-body hijab in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, which is also nominated for a BAFTA. Newer films to discover include the brilliant German short Long Time No See by Kevin Biele, a drama about a woman returning to her office, which speaks of changing times and being left behind, and the powerful There Is No Friend’s House by Abbas Taheri (France/Iran), a bold and provocative examination of generational conflict in modern-day Iran. Outside of the competitions, the festival will also have a section dedicated to the rebellious spirit of female filmmakers throughout the years, amongst other offerings.

The Short Film Market, which in 2023 welcomed almost 4,000 industry delegates, will also provide an eclectic mix of events for audiences and industry alike, including a master class with French filmmaker Mia Hansen-Løve. Other talks will include a panel discussion on “European Short Film Distribution” and “Do’s and Don’ts for Short Film Festivals”, as dictated by filmmakers. Numerous buyers’ presentations will take place, featuring the likes of Vimeo, Mubi, ARTE and Canal+, while Euro Connection, the two-day pitching and networking event aimed at fostering partnerships between European and international production companies, will feature 12 short-film projects being pitched from across Europe.

With 160,000 admissions in 2023, it’s clear that Clermont-Ferrand is still a massively vital event not only for the region, but also for the international film community in general. Even in the face of the troubles that many cultural events are grappling with at this moment in time, Clermont is still striding confidently onwards with a hope for better days ahead and short films bringing everyone together.