The Montpellier International Festival of Mediterranean Film, or Cinemed, was founded in 1979 by the Jean-Vigo Ciné-club, a film society established in the mid-1950s. Initially called “Encounters with Mediterranean Cinema,” the festival adopted its current name in 1989, introducing a competitive section that elevated its international standing.
Cinemed seeks to foster cultural connections and promote the shared cinematic heritage of the Mediterranean basin, the Black Sea, Portugal, Romania, Bulgaria, and Armenia. The festival is renowned for facilitating exchanges, symposiums, and studies on the unique yet interconnected elements of these cinematic traditions.
Each year, the festival features around 200 films, including feature films, short films, and documentaries, with competitive sections offering prestigious awards. Cinemed attracts approximately 90,000 attendees annually, presenting a rich program that includes cine-concerts, exhibitions, and conferences.
Cinemed plays a crucial role in celebrating and advancing Mediterranean cinema, showcasing diverse voices and fostering artistic exchange.
Since its inception, Cinemed has been a platform for exploring the shared narratives and cultural diversity of the Mediterranean and surrounding regions. By including films from the Black Sea, Portugal, and Armenia, the festival highlights the rich tapestry of storytelling across these areas.
The festival’s top honor, the Golden Antigone, includes a €15,000 prize—€6,000 for the director and €9,000 for the film’s French distributor. Notable winners include Mahdi Fleifel, whose “To a Land Unknown” won the Golden Antigone in 2024 for its compelling narrative and artistic merit.
Other awards include the Critics’ Award (€2,000), the Filmgoers’ Award (€4,000), the JAM Award for Best Music (€1,200), and the Young People’s Award (€2,000), all reflecting Cinemed’s commitment to diverse cinematic expressions.
Cinemed’s documentary competition features the Ulysses Prize (€3,000), awarded to outstanding French or international documentary directors. The short film section includes the Grand Prix for Short Films (€4,000) and the Canal+ Award, offering winners potential broadcasting opportunities.
Cinemed has premiered significant works such as “Sole” by Carlo Sironi and “Stitches” by Miroslav Terzić, both awarded the Golden Antigone in 2019. In 2023, “The Vanishing Soldier” by Dani Rosenberg competed for the Golden Antigone, underscoring the festival’s dedication to showcasing impactful and innovative Mediterranean cinema.
Cinemed continues to serve as a vital platform for Mediterranean cinema, celebrating its rich heritage while fostering new voices and perspectives in the global film industry.
To learn more, please visit the festival website or save this page for updates and notes.
