Saint-Barth Film Festival
Art house cinema and screenings under the stars in a paradise setting
The Saint-Barth Film Festival transforms the island into a cinematic destination for a week every year in April. Created to celebrate international independent cinema, this festival offers outdoor screenings under the stars, meetings with directors and actors, and exclusive premieres in an absolutely unique setting.
Unlike large traditional festivals, Saint-Barth focuses on intimacy and conviviality. Screenings take place on Shell Beach in Gustavia, with your feet in the sand and the sound of waves in the background. An unforgettable cinematic experience where art meets Caribbean nature.
2025 Program and Selection
The festival presents an eclectic selection of 15 to 20 films including feature films, documentaries and short films from around the world. Each evening offers a screening followed by discussions with directors and film crew members.
Opening Night
World premiere of an anticipated film, followed by a cocktail on the beach
Official Competition
8 to 10 films competing for the Audience Award and the Jury Prize
Caribbean Focus
Section dedicated to Caribbean filmmakers and films about the region
Documentaries & Shorts
Eclectic programming of engaged documentaries and bold short films
Closing Night
Award ceremony and screening of the winning film
Festive evening with DJ set until the early morning
Perfect Weather for Outdoor Cinema
Organizing a film festival exclusively outdoors requires exceptional weather conditions. April in Saint-Barth offers the ideal setting with mild evenings, generally clear skies and a very low probability of rain.
Perfect evening temperature, neither too hot nor cool, optimal comfort for 2 hours of screening
Probability of starry sky in April, perfect visibility for the giant screen set up on the beach
Minimal rain risk in April, screenings are rarely disrupted or postponed
The Unique Experience of Cinema on the Beach
Imagine yourself comfortably settled in a lounge chair, your feet in the still-warm sand, with the stars above your head and the sound of waves in the background. The giant screen of 12 meters wide lights up as the sun disappears behind the horizon.
- -Light sea breeze: The trade winds bring a pleasant freshness in the evening
- -Sunset at 6:30pm: Screenings begin as soon as night falls
- -Professional sound system: Crystal clear sound despite the outdoor environment
Screening Venues and Access
Main festival venue, Shell Beach offers an intimate setting with a capacity of 300 people. Giant screen set up facing the sea, lounge chairs and cushions provided.
- Access: 5 min walk from Gustavia center
- Parking: Limited, prefer walking or scooter
- Food: Food trucks and bars on site
Festival pass recommended to access all screenings. Online and on-site ticket sales (subject to availability).
Frequently Asked Questions
In April, rain is very rare. If a shower occurs, the screening is postponed by 1 to 2 hoursor to the next day if necessary. An SMS system notifies ticket holders. In 10 years of festival, only 3 screenings have been postponed.
Lounge chairs and cushions are provided, but you can bring a light blanketfor late evening coolness. Mosquito repellent recommended. Drinks and snacks available on site but at festival prices.
Yes, all films are shown in original version with French/English subtitles. It's an international festival that favors the authenticity of the works. Perfect for cinephiles!
Absolutely! It's one of the festival's highlights. After each screening, a Q&A sessionallows you to exchange with the film crew. The atmosphere is relaxed and accessible. Some artists even stay for a drink with the audience afterwards.
It depends on the films. The festival usually offers a family screening early in the eveningon Saturday with a film suitable for ages 8 and up. Other screenings are more adult-oriented and for cinephiles with sometimes demanding works.
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Regattas, cultural festivals, gastronomic events: the island vibrates all year round