The film Children of the Resistance (Les Enfants de la Résistance), an adaptation of a famous French graphic novel, will open the 27th French Film Festival in Cuba, running from October 22 to November 4, organizers announced today.

Set during the German occupation of World War II, the film follows three brave children—François, Eusèbe, and Lisa—who embark on a secret mission: resisting the Nazis from the heart of France. Through sabotage, coded messages, and perilous escapes, they carry out clandestine operations right under the enemy's nose, relying solely on audacity and friendship in their fight against injustice.

During a press conference, the Ambassador of France to Cuba, Raphaël Trannoy, highlighted the annual festival's enduring presence, emphasizing its importance in 2026 despite the current challenging context on the Caribbean island.

The ambassador underscored that the film festival represents a unique moment, stating that every story offers an open window to the world and that cinema allows audiences to discover new realities, share emotions, and connect beyond borders and daily life. He described the festival as a cornerstone of bilateral relations, evolving over the years into an essential cultural fixture and a vital space for dialogue between the two nations.

For this edition, the festival will venture beyond Havana's theaters for the first time to reach major cities across the country. The opening film, directed by Christophe Barratier, was highlighted by Ambassador Trannoy alongside festival co-founder Nuri Ruiz and Cultural Attaché Laurianne Agard-Kopp.   

A total of 17 films reflecting the diversity of French cinema will be showcased, featuring intimate family dramas, contemporary social commentaries, comedies, cross-generational narratives, and four animated feature films designed to introduce younger audiences to world cinema.Sponsored by the Embassy of France in Cuba, the Cinemateca de Cuba, and the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC), the festival stands as the largest showcase of French cinema outside of France.